What is given in the ER for overdoses?

[SayWhatHEH]

What sort of drugs or treatments are given to reverse the effects of the drug or drugs that are being overdosed on? Psychedelics, stimulants, opioids, benzos, whatever classes you can think of.

For example, would a doctor give beta blockers or maybe other depressants to reduce stress on the heart?

 

[jasonmp321]

Most common drugs are agonists at certain receptors, and the antidote is to administer a antagonist.

For a direct antidote -

For opioids (heroin, morphine, oxycodone, etc) , Naloxone is given.

For benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, klonopin, etc) Flumazenil is given.

There is also one for anti-cholinergic poisoning (datura, diphenhydramine) too but i can't remember what its called


Also, on top of administering a direct antidote, they also treat individual symptoms. Agitation / hallucinations are treated with Benzos and Anti-psychotics. If the person has overdosed on pills, activated charcoal may be administered. If the person is having trouble breathing, they will be put on oxygen.

Hope this answers your question.

 

[SayWhatHEH]

It definitely helps jason, but do you happen to know what they do for stimulants?

 

[Cane2theLeft]

^ antihypertensives and benzos.

The cholinergic drug physostigmine is typically use for anticholinergic overdose.

 

[sekio]

Dantrolene is also used in some settings to reduce hyperthermia.