Why Do I Have Unpleasant Symptoms Soon After Consuming Opioids?

Do you experience clinically significant problematic behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., initial euphoria followed by apathy, dysphoria, psychomotor agitation or retardation, impaired judgment) that developed during, or shortly after, opioid use?

Do you experience pupillary constriction (or pupillary dilation due to anoxia from severe overdose) and drowsiness or coma developing during, or shortly after, opioid use?

Do you experience pupillary constriction (or pupillary dilation due to anoxia from severe overdose) and slurred speech developing during, or shortly after, opioid use?

Do you experience pupillary constriction (or pupillary dilation due to anoxia from severe overdose) and impairment in attention or memory developing during, or shortly after, opioid use?

While it is unlikely that you experience an opioid overdose, you may show a symptom related to it. Opioids are severe pain relievers and release dopamine into the body. When someone takes too much (an overdose) of an opioid, this is called opioid intoxication. Depending on how much of the drug has been taken, severity of the symptoms may vary. In case you answered ‘no’ to all questions, there is no reason for concern. However, if you have a problem with opioid use, or if you are addicted to the drug, it may be important to talk with your doctor.

Opioids are usually taken to relieve pain, or to reach and euphoric or relaxed state. While it is unlikely that you have an opioid intoxication (overdose), you may be displaying some signs related to it. You may not experience an intoxication, but opioid dependence is also a problem you should take seriously. It may be necessary to talk with your doctors about your symptoms and concerns about addiction. An opioid overdose usually needs (emergency) treatment. Naloxone will be administered to prevent the drug from further affecting the central nervous system.

Unfortunately, you are or have been displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have opioid intoxication. In case someone near you may have taken an opioid overdose, it’s crucial to call your local emergency service. It’s important to not wait and act immediately. Opioid intoxication can be mild or more severe. The mild cases are easier to treat, while severe cases need long hospital stays. With treatment the mild intoxication symptoms will improve, but it does not address the addiction. Behavioral therapy is an effective intervention for opioid intoxication, and group therapies may help as well.