Depressants overdose

Home treatment:

The standard procedure is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious. Before inducing emesis, contact Poison Control for verification.

If instructed to induce emesis, the standard procedure is as follows:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on the symptoms observed by the health care provider. Recovery will probably occur within 24 to 48 hours with proper care for the symptoms in these categories:

• mild
  • the patient can be aroused
  • no further treatment will likely be necessary

• moderate
  • the patient cannot be aroused
  • breathing is normal
  • other life signs (pulse, skin color, and so on) are normal

Recovery will probably occur within 3 to 5 days, depending on the amount swallowed if the symptoms are:

• severe
  • the patient cannot be aroused
  • breathing and other life signs may be abnormal