When to Call 911, Poison Help or a Clinician After a Natural Product
A plain decision guide for a possible problem with a supplement, herb, tea or essential oil: when to call 911, 988, Poison Help 1-800-222-1222, or a clinician or pharmacist.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Call 911 now if the person has collapsed, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be woken. [1] The same applies to a severe allergic reaction: MedlinePlus says anaphylaxis is an emergency and to call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. [2]
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) for a mental health crisis. The Lifeline says it is free, confidential and available 24/7/365. [3] If an exposure may have been intentional self-harm, Poison Control advises immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider, usually in an emergency room. [4]
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 if someone may have swallowed, touched or breathed something harmful and is awake and breathing. [4]
Which call fits?
| Situation | Who to contact first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Collapse, seizure, trouble breathing, cannot be woken | 911 | Poison Control and MedlinePlus both say to call 911. [1] [5] |
| Swelling of the face, eyes or tongue, wheezing, hives with trouble breathing or dizziness | 911 | These are listed signs of anaphylaxis. [2] |
| Mental health crisis, or thoughts of self-harm | 988 (and 911 if in immediate danger) | The Lifeline offers free, confidential support. [3] |
| Someone swallowed, touched or breathed a supplement, herb, oil or tea and seems well | Poison Help, 1-800-222-1222 | Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [4] |
| Child, pregnant person, person younger than 6 months or older than 79, or more than one product involved | Call Poison Help by phone rather than use the online tool | Poison Control lists these as reasons to speak to a person. [4] |
| Pet | A veterinarian or animal poison service | Poison Control says not to use its online tool for pets. [4] See Pet and animal poisoning. |
| Mild, ongoing side effect (for example stomach upset or a rash) with no emergency signs | A pharmacist or your prescriber or clinician | Not an emergency, but worth reporting. See Side effects, allergic reactions and reporting. |
Do not wait for symptoms
Symptoms of poisoning may take a few hours or days to start. [6] After a possible poisoning, MedlinePlus says to get medical help right away and not wait for symptoms to develop. [5] Some natural products can be dangerous at small amounts: Poison Control says even a small amount of camphor is dangerous if swallowed and seizures can begin within minutes, and that swallowed wintergreen oil is very dangerous in more than a tiny amount. [7]
Taking too much of a supplement
Overdose can happen with products people think of as harmless. MedlinePlus says iron overdose is particularly dangerous for children, and symptoms can seem to go away for a few hours and then return a day or more later. [8] That is why a call is advised even if the person looks fine. See Taking too much: overdose with vitamins, minerals and herbs.
First steps while you wait
- Do not make the person vomit. [1]
- Keep the container or package to show professionals. [6]
- If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, the NHS says to start CPR; if unconscious but breathing, use the recovery position. [6]
For a ready list of what to say, see What to tell Poison Help when you call.
Not an emergency but still worth a clinician
Some problems are slower, such as a side effect that keeps happening or a possible interaction with a prescribed medicine. We cover those on their own pages, for example Medicine interactions. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist; never stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 911 and Poison Help?
911 is for life-threatening signs such as collapse, seizure or trouble breathing. [1] Poison Help is for advice after a possible exposure when the person is awake and breathing. [4]
Do I call 988 for a poisoning?
988 is for a mental health crisis. [3] If the exposure may be self-harm, a healthcare evaluation, usually in an emergency room, is always advised. [4]
Can I use the online poison tool instead of calling?
For some people. Poison Control says the online tool is for people with no life-threatening symptoms, one substance, no self-harm, aged 6 months to 79 years, not pregnant and not a pet. [4]
Should I call even if the person feels fine?
Yes. Symptoms can take hours or days, [6] and MedlinePlus says iron overdose symptoms can go away for a few hours and then return. [8]
Who do I ask about a mild side effect?
A pharmacist or your clinician. Official reporting routes are covered on the reporting page linked above.
References
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). First aid: Act fast!. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Anaphylaxis. Read 2026-10-22.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Lifeline home page. Read 2026-10-22.
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). Need immediate assistance?. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Poisoning first aid. Review date 1/8/2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS (United Kingdom). Poisoning. Page last reviewed 12 June 2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). Essential oils: Poisonous when misused. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Iron overdose. Read 2026-10-22.