What is a common symptom of heroin overdose?

Respiratory depression is a hallmark symptom of heroin overdose due to the drug's powerful effects on the central nervous system. Heroin, an opioid, depresses brain function that controls breathing, which can lead to significantly reduced respiratory rates or even complete cessation of breath. This condition is life-threatening and is often the primary cause of death in opioid overdoses.

Individuals experiencing respiratory depression may present with shallow, slow, or irregular breathing patterns, which can be accompanied by cyanosis—a bluish tint to the skin, especially around the lips and fingertips—due to low oxygen levels in the blood. The timing and severity of these respiratory effects highlight the urgent need for immediate medical intervention in cases of suspected heroin overdose.