Health Tip: Are You Taking Opioids as Prescribed?

Opioids are powerful prescription pain medications, and great care must be taken to avoid possible overdose and addiction.

The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these potential warning signs of opioid medication overdose:

• Stumbling while walking.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Slurring your speech.
• Feeling confused.
• Slow breathing and heartbeat.
• Blue nails or lips.
• Pale or clammy skin.
• Feeling excessively drowsy or having trouble staying alert.
• Having trouble waking from sleep.