Overamping occurs when a person has taken too many stimulant drugs. This can cause their body functions to speed up too much, which can be dangerous.
Overamping can look different to depressant overdoses. The most common symptoms of overamping are:
- A very high temperature (may be sweating)
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme agitation or paranoia
- Chest pains
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Sometimes mild cases of overamping can be resolved with rest, hydration, and a calming environment. However more severe cases of overamping can be dangerous and sometimes fatal, especially if a person doesn’t get medical attention.
Overamping: What do I do?
- Call 111. If the person is experiencing any of the symptoms above. If they are breathing and it is safe to do so, place them in the recovery position.
- Give CPR or rescue breaths if the person is not breathing.
- Do not restrain the person if they are seizing. It is safest to clear the area of any dangerous objects and not restrain the person while they have a seizure. If you can, time how long the seizure lasts. This information can be helpful for medical professionals.
Once they are done seizing you can place them on their side in the recovery position. - Stay with them. Stay with the person until help arrives. Speak to them in a calm voice and reassure them everything is going to be OK.
If the person is experiencing mild symptoms of overamping such as feeling hot, anxious, nauseous, dizzy, you can:
- Take them to a cool, calm and quiet area
- Give them some water or a sweet drink to sip slowly
- Help cool them down by fanning them, using a cold cloth on their head and removing layers
- Speak to them in a calm voice and reassure them they will be OK
- Have them sit up or if they need to lay down, ensure they are on their side in the recovery position
- Keep an eye on them until they start feeling better. If they are showing any of the symptoms of more severe overamping (i.e. seizures, losing consciousness, severe agitation), seek medical attention.