Non-opioid depressant drugs: Signs of overdose and how to respond 

What are non-opioid depressant drugs? 

Non-opioid depressant drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates (medical depressants), and alcohol all slow the central nervous system to produce a calming effect.

These substances are often prescribed to relieve pain or help you sleep – or in the case of alcohol, used recreationally when socialising.

However, when taken in excessive amounts or in combinations with other drugs, depressants can depress normal functions such as breathing and heart rate until they eventually stop, resulting in brain damage or even death. 

To learn about opioids, see our opioid fact sheet.

Signs of a non-opioid depressant overdose 

Some signs that may indicate someone is experiencing an overdose from depressant drugs include:

• Vomiting
• Unresponsive, but awake 
• Limp body 
• Pale and/or clammy face 
• Blue fingernails or lips 
• Shallow or erratic breathing, or not breathing at all 
• Slow or erratic pulse (heartbeat) 
• Choking or sounds of a gurgling noise 
• Loss of consciousness 

How to respond to a non-opioid depressant overdose 

If you suspect someone may have overdosed on depressant drugs, here’s what you should do: 

• Before you act, check for danger 
• Call an ambulance, tell the operator your location, and stay on the line 
• Be prepared to give CPR if the person stops breathing before an ambulance arrives. The emergency operator will talk you through this if needed.
• Stay until help arrives. It’s important not to leave the person alone. 

Dos and don’ts 

While you wait for help to arrive, here are a few more first aid essentials for a depressant overdose:

• Do NOT give the person anything to eat or drink, or try to induce vomiting. 
• Do NOT ignore snoring or gurgling. This could mean someone is having trouble breathing. Try to wake them up immediately. If you can’t wake them up, call emergency services and follow their instructions.
• Ensure the person has adequate air by keeping crowds back or opening windows. Loosen tight clothing. 
• If the person is unconscious or wants to lie down, put them in the recovery position and continue to monitor them.
• Provide paramedics with as much information as possible, such as what, and how much of the drug was taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions. If the drug came in a bottle or packet, give the packaging to the ambulance officers.