What is an Accidental Overdose of Medication?
An accidental overdose occurs when someone takes more medication than prescribed or intended. Unfortunately, the number of accidental overdoses in Australia has been rising, and these incidents can be extremely dangerous, sometimes even life-threatening. The good news is, accidental overdoses can often be prevented.
All medications come with potential side effects, and using them incorrectly can increase the risk of harm. However, when taken as directed, in the correct amounts for the right health conditions, medications can be both safe and helpful.
How Can an Accidental Overdose Happen?
Many medications can be harmful if taken in excessive amounts. The more medicines you take, the greater the risk of experiencing harm from them.
You are at higher risk of an accidental overdose if:
You are using multiple medications at the same time
You do not follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist
You mix medications with alcohol or other drugs
Accidental overdoses can also occur if you take the wrong medication or too much by mistake.
According to Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2023, paracetamol is one of the most common causes of hospital admissions due to accidental overdose. It is also a leading cause of accidental overdose in children.
The report also highlights that benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and temazepam, are the second most common cause of accidental overdoses resulting in death. These medications are frequently involved in fatal overdoses, especially when combined with other drugs.
If you have diabetes, you may be at risk of overdosing on diabetes medication. Taking too much insulin or other diabetes medicines can cause hypoglycaemia (a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels). This can develop into a serious medical emergency. If you have diabetes, it’s important to speak with your doctor or diabetes educator about what to do in case of an overdose.
How Bright Journey Support Workers Can Help Reduce the Risk of Overdose
Our Support Workers at Bright Journey can assist you in taking steps to lower the risk of accidental overdose:
Always read the medicine label and the consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet to ensure you understand how to take your medication properly.
Find out which medications can be taken together, and which ones need to be taken at different times.
Keep track of the medicines you’ve taken and the amounts, to ensure you stay on top of your medication schedule.
Always measure medicine accurately, especially when giving it to children. Precise measurements are crucial for safety.
Only take medications that have been prescribed specifically for you. Never take someone else’s medication, even if it seems similar.
Whether you require ongoing medication management support or assistance on a temporary basis, our team is here to help.
Contact Bright Journey Disability Support Services today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one manage medication effectively and safely.