Opioid-based drugs include morphine, oxycodone, and synthetic (man-made) opioid narcotics, such as fentanyl. They are prescribed to treat pain after surgery or a dental procedure. Sometimes, they are used to treat severe cough or diarrhea. The illegal drug heroin is also an opioid. When abused, opioids cause a person to feel relaxed and intensely happy (euphoria). In short, the drugs are used to get high.
Opioid intoxication is a condition in which you're not only high from using the drug, but you also have body-wide symptoms that can make you ill and impaired.
The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:
Breathing support, including oxygen, or a tube that goes through the mouth into the lungs and attachment to a breathing machine
IV (fluids given through a vein)
Medicine called naloxone (Evzio, Narcan) to block the effect of the opioid on the central nervous system
Other medicines as needed
Since the effect of the naloxone is often short, the health care team will monitor the patient for 4 to 6 hours in the emergency department. People with moderate to severe intoxications will likely be admitted to the hospital for 24 to 48 hours.
A mental health evaluation is needed if the person is suicidal.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Many factors determine the short- and long-term outcome after opioid intoxication. Some of these are:
The degree of poisoning, for example, if the person stopped breathing, and for how long
How often the drugs are used
Effect of impurities mixed in with illegal substances
Injuries that occur as a result of the drug use
Underlying medical conditions
Possible Complications
Health problems that may occur include any of the following:
Review Date:
4/1/2023
Reviewed By:
Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.