5 Signs You’re Overdosing On Drugs And How To Handle It

#1 – Irregular breathing

Breathing problems are some of the first and most obvious signs of a drug overdose.

Drugs affect your entire nervous system including the medulla which is the part of the brain that regulates breathing and other functions like swallowing and heart rate.

So, when you overdose on prescription medication such as stimulants or antidepressants, your breathing may become intermittent, shallow, or slow to the point where you start taking 4 to 10 breaths per minute, instead of the normal 12 to 20 breaths that the average adult takes per minute while resting.

If you notice the early signs of breathing irregularities after taking medication, you shouldn’t think twice about informing a friend or family member, call your healthcare provider or 911.