When to Seek Urgent Help

Call for help now if

• The person has a seizure, cannot be woken, has stopped breathing or is struggling to breathe. Call 911. In the UK the NHS says to call 999 for these. [1]
• They have chest pain or a racing, irregular heartbeat. Mushroom-labeled products caused fast heart rate and chest pain in reported cases, and psilocybin typically raises blood pressure and heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with heart conditions. [2][3]
• They are confused, extremely agitated, or acting in ways that could hurt themselves or others. NIDA notes impaired thinking and perception can lead to unusual and sometimes dangerous behavior. [4]
• A child may have swallowed any mushroom, plant or edible. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 even if the child seems fine. [2][5]
• They are thinking about harming themselves. In the United States, call, text or chat 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7; it also covers drug use concerns. [6]

Who to contact

For other countries, see Poison Help by Country. We list only numbers read from an official page.

What to tell responders

Say what was taken, how much if known, when, and whether alcohol, other drugs or prescription medicines were also taken. Show the package or product if possible. [1][5] Poison Help describes itself as a free and confidential service. [5]

What not to do while waiting

• Do not try to make the person vomit. [5][1]
• Do not give food or drink to a person who is unwell or drowsy, per NHS advice. [1]
• If the person is unconscious but breathing, the NHS advises the recovery position; if they are not breathing, start CPR. [1]
• Keep checking they are breathing and, if awake, keep talking to them. [1]

Signs that depend on the kind of product

• Mushroom-labeled edibles: seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, abnormal heart rates, high or low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting were reported by the FDA. [7]
• Psychological distress: NIDA says psychedelic or dissociative drugs may produce adverse or debilitating effects such as fear or anxiety. [4] See Acute Psychological Distress.
• Combinations: NIDA notes that fatal overdoses are typically associated with very high amounts or combining substances, particularly with alcohol. [4]
• Medicine interactions: some researchers suspect psychedelics may interact with medicines that raise serotonin; serotonin syndrome is usually mild but can be life-threatening in rare cases. [4] See Psychedelic Drug Interactions.
• Possible contamination: NIDA warns that illicit drugs may contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances. [4]

Delayed symptoms

Some poisonings start hours or days after eating. The NHS says to get medical advice quickly if there is a chance of poisoning, even if symptoms have not begun. [1]

This is not a treatment guide

This page does not tell anyone how to manage a bad experience at home or how to keep using a substance more safely. It says when to get professionals involved. Talk with your prescriber before changing any medicine; do not stop one on your own.

Related reading

• Poisoning and Misidentification
• Psychedelic Adverse Effects and Contraindications