5 Adverse Effects and Overdose Risks Free Online FlashCards

Can opioids cause constipation and drowsiness?

Yes. Opioids can cause constipation and drowsiness. Report persistent, severe, or concerning effects to a health care professional.

What should you avoid if an opioid makes you drowsy?

Do not drive or use machinery while drowsy.

What signs can indicate a possible opioid overdose?

Suspect a possible opioid overdose when someone is difficult to wake and has slow, shallow, or abnormal breathing; gurgling sounds are another warning sign.

What should you do if you are unsure whether someone overdosed?

Treat the situation as a possible overdose and seek emergency help.

What are the immediate actions for a suspected opioid overdose?

Call 911 and give naloxone if available; do not wait for emergency responders before using it.

How can you support someone while awaiting overdose help?

Try to keep the person breathing, place them on their side if possible, and stay with them. If they are not breathing normally, provide rescue breathing or CPR if safe and you are trained.

Should emergency help be canceled if naloxone wakes someone?

No. Naloxone’s effects are temporary, so overdose symptoms can return. Keep or call emergency help and stay with the person until help arrives.

When might another naloxone dose be needed?

Follow the naloxone product instructions. Another dose may be needed if the person does not respond or overdose symptoms return.

Why are opioids dangerous with alcohol or sedating medicines?

They can compound sedation and slow breathing, causing severe respiratory depression, coma, or death.

What is the risk of using multiple acetaminophen-containing medicines?

Taking more acetaminophen than intended can cause severe liver injury or liver failure. Check product ingredients and avoid combining acetaminophen-containing medicines unless a health care professional says to.

What can black, tarry stools indicate during NSAID use?

They can indicate stomach or intestinal bleeding, a serious possible NSAID effect. Stop the NSAID and seek prompt medical advice; get emergency care for severe symptoms or substantial bleeding.

How does naloxone help during an opioid overdose?

Naloxone temporarily blocks opioid effects, especially dangerous slowing of breathing, to reverse an opioid overdose.