Opiate poisoning

Condition caused by the use of drugs derived from opium (morphine, oxycodone and synthetic opioid narcotics) or by consuming heroin.

The overdose may be accidental or intentional.

Symptoms include altered mental state, respiratory depression, low blood pressure and weak pulse.

The diagnosis is made with the medical history, physical examination and additional tests such as a CBC, tox screen, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and CT-scan of the brain (if seizures).

Supportive and symptomatic treatment, together with an antidote called naloxone, will be administered as soon as possible, even in an outpatient setting.