Can You Overdose on Meth?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on meth. Some of the more common meth overdose symptoms include:

• Convulsive Seizures or Intense Tremor
• Coma or Unconsciousness (inability to wake up)
• High Fever
• Heavy Sweating (regardless of ambient temperature)
• Hallucinations and Psychosis
• Chest Pain and Difficulty Breathing
• Vomiting
• Irregular and Rapid Heart Rate
• Cardiac Arrest or Stroke

These symptoms can lead to very dangerous and sometimes fatal outcomes if left untreated. Immediate medical attention is required if someone hopes to survive a meth overdose. The sooner help arrives, the better.

Meth overdoses require professional medical attention. Some of the symptoms may benefit from care while medical help is on the way. A few key things to do if someone is experiencing a meth overdose include:

1. Call Emergency Medical Services Immediately. Medications that can most effectively treat a meth overdose must be administered by trained medical professionals. Call for help as soon as possible.
2. If Someone Is Having A Meth Overdose-Induced Seizure. Do not attempt to restrain them. Stand back and wait for seizing to end before getting near them. If they are on a hard surface, you may place something soft (like a sweater) under their head to prevent them from head trauma due to violent convulsions.
3. Provide Aid. If medical help has not arrived by now and they have ceased convulsions, check their airway and breathing. Place them in the recovery position. It may be necessary to clear vomit from their airway to prevent them from suffocating.
4. Stay With Them Until Medical Help Arrives. Stay with the victim and monitor them. Be prepared to give as much information as possible to the paramedics when they arrive.

There are medications that can treat the symptoms of a meth overdose. These are controlled substances and must be administered by trained medical professionals. Some common types of medications used include antipsychotics, sedatives, antihistamines, and certain kinds of blood pressure medications.

Some of the most commons causes of death for meth users include cardiovascular issues, HIV/AIDS, and meth overdose. Cardiovascular issues can include cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, and stroke. Meth use is a very relevant factor for someone’s chances of acquiring HIV. It is the largest contributing factor for HIV risk among gay men. Meth may also increase susceptibility to the HIV/AIDS virus itself, as it intensifies the activity of certain cells in the body, thereby creating a greater “surface area” for the virus to attack.

The only way to be completely safe from a meth overdose is to not use meth. That being said, many people who are struggling with a meth addiction do not see this as an option. Even during active meth addiction, there are some things that someone can do to reduce the risks of suffering an overdose. Some tips for meth overdose prevention and harm-reduction techniques include:

• Do Not Inject Meth. It is much easier to overdose on meth when injecting it due to the increased potency and more rapid onset of injection meth use. Aside from the higher risk of overdosing, there is less someone can do to render aid in the event of an overdose. When overdosing from snorted meth, medical professionals may be able to flush the nose and sinus, thereby minimizing the amount that actually enters the brain. This is not the case when injecting meth, as once the plunger is pushed in, there is no going back.
• Do Not Mix Meth With Medications. Aside from the high potency of meth in general, it is capable of many interactions with other medications. This could lead to an increased impact on the brain or body and possibly fatal complications. Our “Dangers of Crystal Meth Addiction” guide lists the 41 most dangerous medications to mix with meth. There are hundreds that are capable of dangerous interactions.
• Do Not Mix Meth With Other Illicit Drugs. Some people may think that it is okay to mix meth with other drugs, such as opioids, but this is not the case. There has been a drastic increase in meth and opioid combination overdoses over the past 5 years. Mixing meth with any other drug can increase the risk of a fatal overdose.

Once someone has suffered a meth overdose and hopefully survives, they will still be at risk if they continue to use meth. The only way to avoid a meth overdose is to stop using and get sober. The best way to do this is to check into a detox center. It may also be a good idea to continue with residential treatment once the detox process has been completed.

Some additional meth overdose awareness and prevention resources can be found below. The more informed someone is about meth overdoses, the better they can help someone if and when the need arises.

International Overdose Awareness Day: Information on crystal meth overdoses including what to look for, what to do, and what not to do in the event of an overdose.

Toward the Heart: A stimulant overdose awareness guide that provides tips and resources for what to do if someone near you is experiencing a stimulant overdose.

National Institute on Drug Abuse: A fact sheet about methamphetamines that includes information on overdoses.

Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit: A hospital in Ontario, Canada that provides information and resources about crystal meth overdoses.

Minnesota Department of Health: A resource guide about methamphetamine addiction that provides harm reduction and overdose awareness resources.

Manitoba Department of Health: Information about the signs and symptoms of a crystal meth overdose and further resources about meth in general.