Overdose safety

ImportantSigns of an overdose

An overdose is an emergency. Call 911 right away if you see any of these signs. If you're not sure, treat it as an overdose.

• Can't be woken up, or won't respond to your voice
• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• Lips or fingernails turn blue, gray, or purple
• Skin is pale, blue, or cold
• Tiny "pinpoint" pupils that don't react to light
• Body is limp

Based on CDC. Not yet reviewed by a clinician.

What to do

Give naloxone if you have it, then call 911. Anyone can give naloxone, with or without medical training.

Stay with the person until help arrives. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that may protect you and the person overdosing from legal trouble when you call for help.

• Give naloxone
• Call 911
• Try to keep them awake and breathing
• Lay them on their side so they don't choke
• If they don't start breathing normally in 2 to 3 minutes, give a second dose of naloxone
• Stay with them and keep watching their breathing

Based on CDC, FDA, and MedlinePlus. Not yet reviewed by a clinician.

ImportantNever mix 7-OH with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids

7-OH acts like an opioid. Opioids and sedatives both slow your breathing. Taken together, they can cause a fatal overdose.

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin
• Other opioids, including opioid pain pills like oxycodone or hydrocodone
• Xylazine ("tranq"), which can be mixed into street drugs

Based on NIDA and FDA. Not yet reviewed by a clinician.

ImportantYour tolerance drops after you stop

After you stop, your body loses its tolerance. An amount you used to take can now cause an overdose. Most opioid overdose deaths happen in people who have just gone through withdrawal.

If you use again, carry naloxone and keep it at home.

Based on MedlinePlus and CDC. Not yet reviewed by a clinician.

Getting naloxone

You don't need a prescription to buy naloxone nasal spray. It is sold over the counter in all 50 states. Many local health departments, community programs, and syringe services programs give it out for free or at low cost. Keep it where you and the people close to you can find it, and tell them where it is.

Based on FDA and CDC. Not yet reviewed by a clinician.