EFFECTS

OF
MEDICINAL
OVERDOSE

SLIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTACT

01 02 03 04
INTRODUCTION BODY 1 BODY 2 ENDING

What Medicinal How to Prevent

What is
Overdose Medicinal
Medicinal
Causes Overdose
Overdose
.

Physical Effects Mental Effects

MISSION VISION CONTACT

Our Mission is to Our Vision is to raise

educate individuals on awareness about the
the proper use of dangers of medicinal
medications, highlight overdose, ensuring
the risks of medicinal that individuals
overdose, and provide understand the
guidance on physical and mental
prevention strategies. risks involved.
Discussion
In today's discussion on medicinal overdose, we will cover the following key
points:
1.What is medicinal overdose – a brief overview of what constitutes an
overdose and why it happens.
2.Physical effects – the impact of overdose on the body, including organ
damage, respiratory failure, and other health risks.
3.Mental effects – the psychological consequences, such as confusion,
hallucinations, and long-term cognitive issues.
4.Prevention and intervention – how to prevent overdoses and the
importance of seeking medical help when they occur.

Prepared and presented by Zawad Jareef

INTRODUCTION
What is Medicinal Overdose ?
A medicinal overdose occurs when a person takes
more than the prescribed or recommended dose of a
medication, whether intentionally or accidentally.
This can involve prescription drugs, over-the-counter
medications, or even herbal supplements. Overdoses
can happen for various reasons, such as
misunderstanding dosage instructions, self-
medicating for quicker relief, or abusing substances
for recreational purposes. The severity of an
overdose depends on the type of drug, the amount
taken, and the individual’s health. Effects can range
from mild symptoms like nausea or drowsiness to
severe outcomes such as organ failure, respiratory
depression, mental confusion, or even death.
Immediate medical attention is crucial in cases of
overdose to prevent life-threatening consequences.
What Medicinal Overdose Causes
PHYSICAL EFFECTS
Physical effects of medicinal overdose can be
severe and life-threatening:

1.Organ Damage: Overdosing on drugs like

acetaminophen can cause liver failure, while
NSAIDs can harm the kidneys.
2.Respiratory Depression: Opioid overdoses
can slow breathing, leading to brain damage or
death.
3.Heart Problems: Stimulant overdoses can
cause irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure,
or heart attacks.
4.Gastrointestinal Issues: Drugs like aspirin or
ibuprofen can lead to stomach pain, ulcers, or
internal bleeding.

Immediate medical attention is critical to prevent

long-term harm or fatal outcomes.
What Medicinal Overdose Causes
MENTAL EFFECTS
Mental effects of medicinal overdose can be equally
harmful and impact cognitive and emotional health:

1.Confusion and Disorientation: Overdosing on

sedatives or antipsychotics can lead to confusion,
memory loss, and difficulty focusing.
2.Hallucinations: High doses of stimulants or
psychiatric drugs can cause visual or auditory
hallucinations, leading to paranoia and fear.
3.Anxiety and Agitation: Overdoses of certain
medications can heighten anxiety, panic, or
restlessness.
4.Cognitive Impairment: Severe or repeated
overdoses may result in long-term memory issues,
poor concentration, and diminished problem-solving
skills.

These mental effects can have lasting impacts,

requiring both medical and psychological intervention.
OUR AGENDA

AWARENESS PROBLEM SCALE

Awareness of medicinal overdose is Problem Scale of Medicinal Overdose:
essential for safety:
1.Increasing Incidents: Overdose cases
1.Education: Know proper medication are rising, especially with opioids and
use and dosage limits. painkillers.
2.Label Reading: Always follow 2.Vulnerable Populations: Affects all
instructions and warnings. ages, from children to adults.
3.Recognizing Symptoms: Be alert to 3.Healthcare Burden: Overdoses strain
signs like confusion or breathing emergency services and healthcare
trouble. resources.
4.Seeking Help: Act quickly if overdose 4.Preventable Deaths: Many overdoses
is suspected to prevent harm. lead to fatalities that could be avoided with
better awareness and intervention.
Increased awareness helps prevent
accidental overdoses and promotes Recognizing this scale emphasizes the
safe medication practices. need for proactive measures to prevent
overdoses.
Prevention
Prevention of Medicinal Overdose:
1.Education:
1. Provide comprehensive information on the proper use of medications,
including how to read labels and understand dosage instructions.
2. Conduct community workshops or seminars to raise awareness about
the dangers of overdose.
2.Clear Instructions:
1. Ensure that prescriptions come with explicit dosage guidelines and
potential side effects.
2. Pharmacists should counsel patients on how to take their medications
safely and what to avoid.
3.Medication Management:
1. Encourage the use of pill organizers to help individuals keep track of
their medications and prevent missed or double doses.
2. Implement reminder systems, such as alarms or mobile apps, to help
manage medication schedules.
4.Regular Reviews:
1. Advocate for regular medication reviews with healthcare providers to
identify any potential risks or harmful interactions.
2. Update prescriptions based on current health status, especially for
those with multiple medications.
5.Emergency Preparedness:
1. Ensure that emergency contact numbers, such as poison control and
local emergency services, are readily accessible.
2. Educate families on recognizing overdose symptoms and the
importance of seeking immediate medical help.
By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce the risk of
medicinal overdoses and promote safer medication practices.
Precautions
Precautions to Prevent Medicinal Overdose:
1.Understand Medications:
1. Familiarize yourself with the medications you are taking, including their
purpose, dosage, and potential side effects.
2. Read all labels and patient information leaflets carefully.
2.Keep an Updated Medication List:
1. Maintain an updated list of all medications, including prescription, over-
the-counter, and herbal supplements.
2. Share this list with healthcare providers during appointments.
3.Avoid Self-Medication:
1. Do not take medications without consulting a healthcare professional,
especially if considering over-the-counter options for symptoms.
2. Be cautious about using medications prescribed for someone else.
4.Monitor for Side Effects:
1. Be vigilant about any side effects or unusual symptoms after taking a
medication.
2. Report any concerning reactions to a healthcare provider immediately.
5.Consult Before Combining Medications:
1. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting new
medications or combining them with existing ones.
2. Be especially cautious with combinations that can increase sedation or
affect respiratory function.
6.Educate Others:
1. Make family members aware of your medication regimen and potential
risks associated with your medications.
2. Encourage open communication about any concerns regarding
medications.
By following these precautions, individuals can minimize the risk of medicinal
overdose and ensure safer medication usage.
 WEAKNESSES
Weaknesses of Medicinal Overdose:
1.Lack of Awareness: Limited knowledge of

W
risks.
2.Complex Regimens: Confusion from multiple
medications.
3.Poor Communication: Misunderstandings
with healthcare providers.
4.Accessibility: Easy access increases misuse
risk.
5.Stigma: Fear of judgment prevents seeking
help.
6.Emergency Response: Delays in treatment
availability.
These weaknesses hinder effective overdose
prevention.

THREATS
Threats of Medicinal Overdose:
1.Rising Prescriptions: Increased use of

T
painkillers and sedatives.
2.Drug Interactions: Unmonitored
combinations of medications.
3.Substance Abuse: Recreational misuse of
prescriptions.
4.Lack of Monitoring: Insufficient follow-up
care.
5.Mental Health Issues: Self-medication
among vulnerable individuals.
6.Misinformation: Inaccurate information
about medication use.
These threats increase the risk of
overdose incidents.
ENDING
“Medicine is a science of
uncertainty and an art of
probability --William Osler
This quote emphasizes the importance of
understanding the complexities and risks involved
in medical treatment. By fostering awareness and
responsibility in medication use, we can
significantly reduce the incidence of medicinal
overdoses and promote safer healthcare practices.