Explain to me about prescription drug overdose
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Anonymous
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I found someone today who had overdosed on some prescription drug(s) and alcohol in an attempt to kill herself. She was still breathing but totally unconscious and non-responsive to the sounds of her dog barking, the police breaking down the door, EMS yelling her name and moving her. We found her around 2:00 this afternoon, and she could not have been there longer than the evening prior. She had thrown up at least twice, which EMS said was probably the only reason she was still alive. I'm not sure what drugs she took. An entire giant bottle (the size of two bottles, really) was empty on the bedside table. As of this evening, the hospital reports that there has been no change in her condition / she has not gained consciousness.
I know nothing about drug overdose outcomes. Can anyone speak to the likelihood of her emerging from this without brain damage, based on this limited info I have? I just can't stop thinking about any of it. A friend said it is not uncommon for someone who has overdosed to maintain breathing but completely lose brain functionality. It's a heartbreaking situation, and I am sad that we couldn't have found her sooner. |
Anonymous
| OP, i don't know the answer to your question, I just wanted to say sorry for your loss. Was she close to you? It sounds like she was lucky you showed up. |
Anonymous
| How old op? Is she a relative? How did you find her? What made you call the police and EMT? |
Anonymous
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This is so sad! Thank goodness you were there to get help for her. Is there any way you can contact the hospital to find out how she is doing?
It doesn't sound good, but the human body is amazing in its ability to recover. I hope she does ok. |
Anonymous
| Keep the faith, OP. |
Anonymous
| OP here. I'm an attorney and this was a client who I checked on in person today because I was concerned, for reasons I won't share just to be really cautious about confidentiality. I don't know her well personally, but am totally shaken up and sad about what happened and really wondering about her prognosis for recovery. Don't know if I'll be sleeping much tonight. The scene was just a horror and it's hard not to replay in my mind. |
Anonymous
I believe she's in her 40's. |
Anonymous
| The potential consequences completely depend on what drug it was. |
Anonymous
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Do you know if her eyes were reactive, OP?
Sorry to hear about this... |
Anonymous
| It's impossible to say, OP. There may be toxicity to the liver or other organs. Heart damage. Brain damage. OR, she may be absolutely fine. |
Anonymous
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Agree it completely depends on the drug.
You can overdose on just about anything, and even the doctors really experienced doctors can't make a truly informed prognosis if it's not one of the usual overdose drugs. I had a family member do it with a psych drug, and the really experienced hospital people had to be in constant communication with Poison Control on protocol every step of the way because they'd never handled an overdose of that particular medication. We were fortunate to get medical help right after the pills were taken, but it was very touch and go in the ER. The person didn't become unconscious but had to be put into a medically induced coma for a day. There was full recovery. As attorney for the patient, I would think you would be able to visit and get some information about the prognosis. Have you gotten in touch with her family? |
Anonymous
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It really depends on the drug. Some drugs can cause organ failure; some just depress breathing and heart rate (which is easier to fix with fewer long term complications if caught in time).
I hope your client makes it. You're a really decent person for caring, and I'll keep you in mind the next time someone argues that all lawyers are shitty and soulless. |
Anonymous
| OP here, just wanted to update that although she is in ICU, she has regained consciousness and is speaking and asking questions. I don't know any more than that, but she has at a minimum moved out of the possibility of vegetative state. Thanks for everyone's feedback. |
Anonymous
| OP, I am sorry you had to deal with this, but know that you saved her life. |
Anonymous
| I'm sorry, OP. My friend's mother did this. She died three days later. |