Opiates are medications that are derived from the opium poppy plant. These medications are most commonly prescribed as pain killers, as they attach to the opiate receptors in the brain and produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria, followed by a period of feeling relaxed and content. Opiates are highly addictive, especially when not taken as directed by a doctor. In addition, as the body becomes accustomed to the opiates, it takes more medication to induce the same response, which can lead to an overdose.
Gastrointestinal
Opiates cause the muscles of the intestinal system to become relaxed, which can cause peristaltic movements, the normal movements that aid digestion and move waste out of the body, to halt. The result is constipation, which, in the case of an overdose, can become serious. Stools can become so hard that the intestines become impacted. If not treated, this can lead to a rupture of the bowels.
Other gastrointestinal symptoms of an opiate overdose can include nausea or vomiting. A loss of appetite or spasms of the stomach or intestines may also occur with an overdose.
Eyes
Those who have taken too much of an opiate will not only likely have blood-shot (red) eyes, but will also exhibit pinpoint pupils. Pinpoint pupils, the black center of the eye, become very small, even in a dark room. Although pinpoint pupils are not exclusive to an overdose, it is a symptom that can help determine that an opiate medication is the cause of the overdose.
Respiratory
One of the most dangerous symptoms of an opiate overdose is a depressed, or slow, respiratory rate, according to the National Institute for Drug Abuse. The patient may have difficulty breathing, exhibit labored breathing or have very shallow breaths. This can lead to the appearance of blue skin, lips or fingernails. The breathing may become so shallow that it stops. This is usually the cause of death from an overdose.
Cardiovascular
Opiates can also adversely affect the cardiovascular system, especially in an overdose situation. A person who has ingested too much of the opiate will have a decreased pulse rate as well as low blood pressure. When the heart is not able to pump blood effectively through the body, organs, including the brain, can become oxygen starved, resulting in damage.
Central Nervous System
Opiates depress the central nervous system, which results in a loss of alertness. The most common effect of this is drowsiness that causes the overdosed person to temporarily fall asleep, even in the middle of a conversation. More dangerous effects on the central nervous system include a loss of consciousness, seizures or even coma.
