Opioid Toxicity

Recently, xylazine—a non-opiate sedative also known as “tranq”—has infiltrated the fentanyl supply, resulting in what the DEA has deemed the deadliest threat yet. The interviews shed light on the fast-acting and sometimes gruesome nature of fentanyl overdoses — as well as how widespread the drug has become — according to the report, which the CDC published today (April 13). Always keep fentanyl in a safe place away from children, teens, visitors, pets and from anyone for whom it has not been prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you live in a home where there are small children or someone who has abused street or prescription drugs. Illicit (illegal) fentanyl is often smuggled into the US in powder form and may be pressed into fake pills or mixed with other drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine (“meth”).

Opioid overdose symptoms

If someone is or may be experiencing an overdose, a witness should call emergency services or drive them to the nearest hospital. Rabies can infect and damage the brain and central nervous system of all types of warm-blooded mammals. The virus transmits from one host to the next through the saliva of an animal with rabies. Saliva may then pool in the mouth and mix with oxygen and other gases when a person is unable to swallow. If someone starts to foam at the mouth, a bystander should roll them on their side, make sure their airways are clear, and call emergency services or take them to the nearest hospital.

What to do you if you may have been exposed to rabies

  • Also, consider thatin some cases, a drug may not be the cause of death, even though it is withinwhat is reported to be a lethal concentration.
  • CocaineThis drug can have different effects on your mouth, depending on how you take it.
  • All of the decedent’s prescription pills and any free/unlabeled pills should becollected to be inventoried and possibly analyzed.
  • Rehab Clinics Group are dedicated to helping you find a suitable place to recover.
  • When opioids bind to these receptors, they can significantly decrease the respiratory rate and tidal volume (the air moves in and out of the lungs with each breath).
  • Just waiting for them to “get over it” is the worst thing you can do if someone is overdosing.
  • The fake pills often look just like the real prescription products, and they are difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish for the average lay-person.

It is essential to seek immediate medical help if a person begins foaming at the mouth. Addiction alters your mental perceptions, as well as your physical and mental health. These issues may prevent the user from stopping and therefore quitting the drug altogether. Some drugs may cause medical emergencies and dangerous side effects, such as foaming at the mouth. Drug abuse can cause foaming at the mouth in certain cases if somebody experiences a seizure or drug overdose. Knowing the types of drugs that can cause this reaction is important for keeping yourself or a loved one safe.

“Opioid” is a broaderterm, and includes opiates, semisynthetic derivatives of opiates, and syntheticcompounds that bind to the body’s opioid receptors, causing similar clinical effectsas opiates. Opioids, by acting on the opioid receptors, have the beneficialtherapeutic effect of blocking pain sensation, but also may cause variousdeleterious effects, including nausea, constipation, somnolence, sedation, and mostsignificantly, respiratory depression (14-16). An individual’s baseline respiratory function may be compromised by variousmedical conditions such as heart disease (e.g., pulmonary edema from congestiveheart failure), lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive lung disease),obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, and advanced age. Conditions such as thesewould limit one’s physiologic reserve, and hence, one’s ability to overcome anycompromising conditions that stress the body, such as the effects of drugtoxicity.

Tips to Care for Your Teeth and Gums

Opioids may cause a hypersensitivity reaction, as has been demonstrated by thedetection of elevated tryptase concentrations in heroin fatalities (144, 145). In many people, morphine injectioncauses the activation of mast cells and the subsequent release of histamine andtryptase ( ). Histamine can cause hypersensitivity reactions that includeperipheral vasodilation that can lead to systemic hypotension and shock (151). Histamine can also causebronchospasm and an increase in the permeability of capillaries, as has beendemonstrated in animal experiments ( ). Many opioids are potent histamine releasers and are capable ofcausing a vast array of hemodynamic/anaphylactoid reactions (151, 152).

  • For instance, seizures can be treated with antiepileptic or similar medications.
  • Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the rabies virus should contact a medical professional straight away.
  • Rehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all formula, I can assure you this program is one of the special places where stepping through the doors you can see the effort and quality of service provided by their staff is unique and that they’re truly invested in each individual and their needs.
  • Though it comes from a different source and has a distinct chemical makeup, cocaine affects the brain in very similar ways to amphetamines.
  • In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in opioid use and abuse,and in opioid-related fatal overdoses.
  • Variousmedical ailments such as heart and lung disease and obesity may limit anindividual’s physiologic reserve, rendering them more susceptible to the toxiceffects of opioids and other drugs.
  • Activation of mu-opioidreceptors in the brainstem can cause respiratory depression.

The genuine kindness and understanding that is to be received from the staff here is a rare find. Rehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all formula, I can assure you this program is one of the special places where stepping through the doors you can see the effort and quality of service provided by their staff is unique and that they’re truly invested in each individual and their needs. Beautiful facility and excellent staff.”Learn more about Pinnacle Peak Recovery Detox Center on their website.

Drug Overdoses

Whether caused by a drug overdose, seizure, or poisoning, your immediate response can significantly impact the outcome. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that helps reverse opioid overdose. If someone in your life may be at increased risk of opioid overdose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping naloxone on hand. If you suspect someone is having an opioid overdose, call 911 or your local emergency services. A drug overdose foaming at mouth medication called Narcan (naloxone) can help reverse opioid overdoes.

Treatment

However, a person should contact emergency services if it is the person’s first seizure, they experience multiple seizures, or they have a serious injury. If a person suspects a drug overdose, it is essential to seek immediate medical help. A person should also seek medical advice if they suspect exposure to rabies. People with severe overdoses may also experience a heart attack, which can cause pulmonary edema. Nirvana Recovery, located in Arizona, specializes in dual-diagnosis treatment. We address both substance abuse and the underlying mental health conditions that contribute to addiction, creating a comprehensive plan for healing.

Fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity of the torso may also be known as “wooden chest syndrome”. Now that you know what conditions and drugs cause foaming at the mouth, you have a better understanding of their dangers and how they affect your body. If you or someone you know is struggling with serious addiction issues, there’s help. Along with opioids, alcohol is one of the few sedatives on this list that can cause foaming of the mouth. While rare, it can occur for the same reasons as heroin or opioids. Cocaine is also a stimulant that can lead to foaming at the mouth.