Opioid Overdose |
Common opioids include heroine, fentanyl, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and hydrocodone. It is important to know that you can overdose from these substances even if you are using a small amount. This is because more toxic opioids (e.g. carfentanil) could be mixed in with street drugs. Strong opioids (fentanyl or carfentanil) can be mixed with other street drugs like ecstasy (MDMA), crystal meth, cocaine and others. One of the risks of using opioids is overdose. In an opioid overdose, you pass out, your breathing slows or stops, and you may die. Some of the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose include:
If you are using opioids, here are some tips for staying safer:
NaloxoneNaloxone (or Narcan®) is an antidote for opioids (including codeine, demerol, hydromorphe, heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone etc.) that can be used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is important to call 911 even if naloxone has been administered to an individual experiencing an overdose. Naloxone can be found in various agencies and pharmacies in Waterloo Region. See the list of locations on the Naloxone page. |
Crystal Methamphetamine (stimulant) Overdose |
‘Methamphetamine’ is the name given to a range of different street drugs that, in chemical terms, are related to amphetamine. Amphetamines are drugs that are classed as stimulants, or sometimes they are called psycho-stimulants. These are drugs that increase central nervous system activity – they basically change the way your brain does things including making you breathe faster, making your heart beat faster, giving you more energy, and making you feel like you can handle anything. Stimulant overdoseIt is important to know that you can overdose on stimulants such as crystal meth. Some of the signs of overdose include:
If you are concerned about a stimulant overdose, there are ways you can respond:
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Overdose Resources |
Fentanyl Test Strips Infographic (University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy) Naloxone Infographic - injectable Five Steps to Respond to an Opioid Overdose Video: 5 Things You Should Know About Naloxone Video: Giving Naloxone Nasal Spray Video: Giving Injectable Naloxone Video: Giving Injectable Naloxone (U of W School of Pharmacy and Public Health) A User’s Guide to Methamphetamine (information about meth, stimulant use and harm reduction) |
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