If left untreated, respiratory depression can lead to fatal complications.
Hypoventilation makes it harder to breathe in deeply, leading to excess carbon dioxide in the blood.
Mild cases of respiratory depression may cause relatively few symptoms or no symptoms at all.
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Sometimes, symptoms such as fatigue andshortness of breathdevelop gradually over time.
These cases can often be treated at home or on an outpatient basis.
However, acute respiratory depression is a medical emergency and needs to be treated right away.
Organ damage is possible without adequate treatment.
Treatments to Reverse Respiratory Depression Symptoms
Respiratory depression can often be treated withoxygen therapy.
Large doses of opioids, barbiturates, sedatives, benzodiazepines, drugs, and/or alcohol can cause hypoventilation.
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