Opiate Overdose

Question 1

Define opiate overdose

Answer 1

Taking more opiates than you should

Question 2

What are the risk factors of opaite overdoes?

Answer 2

• Mental health conditions 
• Alcoholics 
• Morphine toxicity at a lower dose due to:
- Hepatic impairment
- Renal impairment
- Hypotension
- Hypothyroidism
- Asthma (decreased respiratory reserve)

Question 3

What are the symptoms of opiate overdose?

Answer 3

• Altered mental state
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation *

Question 4

What are the signs of opiate overdose?

Answer 4

• Miosis (pinpoint pupils) *
• Bradypnoea *
• Track marks
• Drug paraphernalia
• Pulmonary crackles
• Pink frothy sputum
• Seizures
• Dysrhythmias

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for opiate overdose?

Answer 5

• Toxicology screen
• Paracetamol blood level (should be considered in patients who have self-poisoned)
• If in doubt, give a small test dose of naloxone