Symptoms of Opioid Overdose Versus Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid Overdose

Opioid Withdrawal

Early Signs

• Nodding off/drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Emotionally labile
• Myosis

• Dysphoric mood
•  Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Lacrimation (teary eyes)
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Mydriasis, piloerection
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Yawning
• Fever
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Tachycardia

(CPSO, 2005)

Late Signs

• Respiratory depression
• Prolonged QT interval
• Ventricular arrhythmias
• Coma

(Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2007)