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What Would An Overdose Of ZzzQuil Lead To?

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Posted on Thu, 1 Dec 2016
Question: Hello,
I'm writing this question in reference to an event in a piece of fiction I'm writing. My questions are at the bottom of this message. Much thanks!

Basic Information
Female, age 15. 61” and 93lbs.

Medical History
No known allergies
Diagnosed with major depressive disorder age 10
Bilateral upper amputee, wrist disarticulation and partial-hand amputation (amputations carried out age 10 in response to infection from Hypothermia/Frostbite incident)
Concussion age 10
Currently taking 20mg Prozac Daily for MDD

Event
Self-reports overdose of “ZzzQuil” liquid capsules to 9-1-1 dispatch. Calls within minutes of oral ingestion. Self reports trouble in breathing and nausea.

Presents ZzzQuil packaging to paramedics upon arrival. Consumed 17 capsules, 425mg diphenhydramine. Appears pale. Reports feelings of weakness, difficulty in breathing (anxiety), nausea, lightheaded (anxiety).

Presents respiratory and heart rates slightly above normal range (anxiety). Temperature does not increase beyond 99.

10 minutes after paramedic arrival begins entering weak, sedated state. Respiratory and heart rates gradually decrease to within normal range. Dizziness and vomiting before losing consciousness at 15 minutes following contact with paramedics.


Do paramedics carry out any pre-ambulance cares/tests?
Do paramedics immediately take individual to ambulance/hospital?
If tests confirm poisoning but within typically non-lethal ranges, what would be a 'typical' response? Activated charcoal? Gastric lavage? Observe patient without action?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gastric lavage.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
In case of a poisoning, immediate respiratory support is provided, vomiting is induced and gastric lavage is tried. Blood samples should be taken immediately. The ambulance is taken to hospital for regular vitals monitoring.
Even if the poisoning is within non lethal range, gastric lavage is done to minimize the drug absorption and to prevent any organ damage.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (14 minutes later)
Dr. Tayal,

Thank you very much for your quick and concise response. I have no follow up questions.

Good health and a great day to you as well
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank you.
I am happy I could help.
Please do recommend our services to others too in case you found them helpful. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you the best in whatever you do.
Best regards.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Would An Overdose Of ZzzQuil Lead To?

Brief Answer: Gastric lavage. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. In case of a poisoning, immediate respiratory support is provided, vomiting is induced and gastric lavage is tried. Blood samples should be taken immediately. The ambulance is taken to hospital for regular vitals monitoring. Even if the poisoning is within non lethal range, gastric lavage is done to minimize the drug absorption and to prevent any organ damage. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal