Preventing Accidental Overdose When Managing Multiple Prescriptions
Overdose Awareness
According to data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, it is estimated that there were approximately 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Overdoses can be prevented through education, awareness, and careful management of medications. Understanding the risks and recognizing the signs of overdose are key steps in protecting yourself and loved ones.
What is an Overdose?
An overdose occurs when a person takes a substance—such as a medication, drug, or alcohol—in a quantity that overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolize it, leading to harmful or potentially life-threatening effects.
Did you know many patients may experience an overdose of medications even if they are taking the prescription as directed for their illness? Overdoses can happen from illicit drugs and prescription medications, especially if they are taken in higher doses than prescribed or than what the body can tolerate, combined with other substances, or used by someone they were not prescribed for.
Overdoses are medical emergencies, and recognizing the signs early is crucial for preventing serious harm or death.
What are the signs that someone is having an overdose?
Recognizing the signs of an overdose is crucial for getting the right help within the right timeframe.
Difficulty breathing
Clammy, cold skin
Blue or pale lips and fingertips
Becomes unresponsive
Slow, erratic, or stopped pulse
Choking or gurgling sounds
Vomiting
Acting immediately may save a life. Call 911. The emergency operator will likely prompt you to make sure the person overdosing is laying on their side to prevent choking and confirm your location to send emergency services. In some cases, they may provide you with instructions to perform chest compressions or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
How can I prevent an Overdose?
There are some steps you can take to prevent an overdose.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for drug use. The drug manufacturer should also have resources and guidelines for safe use on their website. Use the correct dosage and maintain a proper schedule.
Keep a written journal to record the date, time, and dosage of each medication you take. This can help you maintain an accurate record and will be valuable when discussing your treatment history with your healthcare provider, or when trying to map side effects or results. Using a pill organizer can help you keep track of your medications and ensure you’re taking them at the right time.
When you visit a new doctor, specialist, or urgent care, make sure to clearly communicate all the medications you are using so they can be sure to not cause an adverse reaction between medicines. Keeping a list to provide to your healthcare team is best, as it ensures that you include all medications.
If you have trouble understanding the instructions on your prescription, call the doctor that prescribed them or check in with the pharmacist that filled the prescription.
Never share your prescription drugs or take those prescribed for someone else. Giving your prescription medications to anyone under any circumstances is considered a felony offense in the United States.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking prescription pain medications. Be cautious about mixing them with other depressants such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, or cold medicine. If you have concerns, use an online drug interaction index to learn more, like this tool created by Medscape.
Safe storage and proper disposal of medications are essential to keep them out of the hands of children, pets, or anyone who might misuse them.
Tips for Safe Storage
Store prescription medications out of reach of children, family members, guests and pets. It is important to always know where your medications are stored. Keep your prescription pills in their original bottles with labels attached and the child-resistant cap secured. Keep track of the number of pills in each bottle to be aware if any are missing. If your prescription needs to be refrigerated, consider using a lock box or childproof storage container.
Practice Safe Disposal
Avoid flushing or pouring medications down the drain. Remove prescription drugs from their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds, moist cat litter, or spoiled food. Place the mixture in a sealed container and dispose of it in the trash on the same day the trash is collected. Conceal, remove, and destroy all identifying personal information from medication containers before recycling or discarding them.
Another option is to dispose of them at a safe drop location. You can find a list of FDA and DEA approved drug collection sites HERE.
Preventing an Opioid Overdose
The term “opioids” refers to a group of drugs designed to target severe pain and may invoke a euphoric feeling for some. Doctors prescribe them to address the symptoms of an injury or a surgical procedure, but they have proven to be addictive and fatal. Here is a list of commonly prescribed opiates:
Morphine
Heroin
Codeine
Methadone
Oxycodone
Tramadol
Fentanyl
Oxymorphone
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Buprenorphine
If someone overdoses on opiates, they may respond well to Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan. Naloxone can reverse life-threatening respiratory depression caused by an opioid overdose. Many physicians provide a prescription for Naloxone when they issue a script for an opiate drug in case there is an accidental overdose while taking pain medications. Various forms of naloxone, such as nasal sprays, injections, and auto-injectors, are available to address an overdose. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover at least one type of naloxone. Several state and local programs offer free or low-cost naloxone to individuals at risk who lack insurance coverage. Being prepared to address an overdose with Naloxone is one way to prevent death. If you or someone in your household has been prescribed opiates, or are living with Opiate Use Disorder, consider keeping some form of Naloxone with you.
Preventing an accidental overdose requires mindful attention to how medications are used and stored. Simple precautions can make all the difference in protecting yourself and those around you. By staying informed and vigilant, you can help reduce the risk of overdose. Remember that small steps today can lead to safer outcomes tomorrow.
