| Drug Overdose |
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TYPES The word "overdose" implies that there is a safe dosage and therefore the term overdose is commonly only applied to Drug s, not Poison s. Drug overdoses are sometimes caused intentionally to commit Suicide , but many drug overdoses are accidental and are usually the result of either irresponsible behavior (such as overindulging at a party), or the misreading of product labels. Other causes of overdose (esp. heroin) include multiple drug use with counterindications (cocaine/amphetamines/alcohol) or use after a period of abstinence. A common unintentional overdose in young children involves multi-vitamins containing Iron . Iron is component of the Hemoglobin Molecule in Blood , used to transport Oxygen to living cells. When taken in small amounts, iron allows the body to replenish Hemoglobin , but in large amounts it causes severe PH imbalances in the body. If this overdose is not treated with Chelation Therapy , it can lead to death. SYMPTOMS Symptoms of overdose occur in various forms:
DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT Diagnosis and management are generally straightforward if the drug is known. The diagnosis can be very difficult if the patient cannot (or refuses to) state which medication has been overdosed. At times, certain symptoms and signs exhibited by the patient, or blood tests, can reveal the drug in question. Even without knowing the drug, most patients can be treated with general supportive measures. In some instances, empirical in Opioid s and Flumazenil in Benzodiazepine s. Rapid reversal of symptoms may serve as proof in these cases. COMMON CAUSES Common types of Drugs that are overdosed on:
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