What sign is commonly associated with a heroin overdose?

Drowsiness is a hallmark sign of a heroin overdose. Heroin, an opioid, acts as a central nervous system depressant, leading to significant sedation and impaired consciousness. When someone has ingested a large dose of heroin, they may exhibit profound drowsiness or even become unresponsive. This state can progress to respiratory depression, which is the most critical danger associated with heroin overdose.

Recognizing drowsiness as a key sign is crucial for healthcare providers and can prompt immediate intervention, such as administering naloxone, to reverse the effects of the overdose and restore normal respiratory function. In contrast, the other signs listed, such as agitation and hyperactivity, are more commonly associated with stimulant overdoses or withdrawal syndromes, rather than an overdose of a depressant like heroin. Severe headache is not typically a direct indication of a heroin overdose and may suggest alternative medical conditions or complications unrelated to opioid use.