What is a common side effect of opioid overdose?

Respiratory depression is a hallmark effect of opioid overdose due to the way opioids interact with the central nervous system (CNS). Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord that not only help modulate pain but also regulate automatic functions such as breathing. In an overdose situation, these respiratory centers can become significantly suppressed, leading to shallow or slowed breathing, and in severe cases, respiratory arrest.

This is a critical concern for emergency responders and healthcare providers, as impaired breathing can quickly result in hypoxia—an insufficient oxygen supply to the body's tissues, which can lead to further complications, including brain damage or death if not promptly addressed. Recognizing respiratory depression as a common indicator of opioid overdose is essential for making timely and effective treatment decisions, such as administering naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose and restore normal respiratory function.