For many surgeries, we have to give a narcotic for pain control, as other medications may increase bleeding. Almost all medications are respiratory depressants, so the issue with an overdose is they STOP BREATHING. If they are getting a pain medication and a muscle relaxant, or drink alcohol, they may want a prescription for Narcan in case there is a problem. In an overdose, you see signs of breathing issues or severe sleepiness where you cannot arouse the patient. This blog is to help educate you on what to do.
PAIN MEDICATION
If they have pain medication and a muscle relaxant: these are both respiratory depressants and can cause them to stop breathing. This happens when too much medication has been taken. Everyone has a different sensitivity to medication.
- For the first dose, take one pill. See how that affects them. After 20 minutes they can take the next dose if still in pain.
- Do not take the medications closer than prescribed.
- Do not wake up a patient to give them pain medication. If they are asleep, they are not in pain.
- Do not follow a strict schedule. If they are not in pain, do not give them medication. If their pain is less, decrease the amount of pain medication given (ie one pill instead of two) or change to Tylenol.
- If someone seems drowsy and out of it, even if they state they are in pain, do not given them a med. Let them become more alert first.
- Do not mix pain medications or muscle relaxants with alcohol.
OVERDOSE: If you see signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness / not being able to respond.
NALOXONE
Narcan 4 mg/ 0.1ml nasal solution.
- Directions:
Spray entire contents into one nostril.
Use second syringe in 2-3 minutes if not responding. - Dispense 2 each.
HOW TO RESPOND TO AN OVERDOSE.
If someone is not breathing or you think they may have overdosed:
- Check for response to yelling or shaking.
- Call 911.
- Give naloxone. If no reaction in 2–3 minutes, give another naloxone dose.
- Give rescue breaths or chest compressions if you know how to do them. Follow 911 dispatcher instructions.
- Stay with the person for at least 3 hours or until help arrives.