What is a common sign of medication overdose?

A common sign of medication overdose is drowsiness or altered consciousness, which indicates a significant impact on the central nervous system. Medications can depress or stimulate brain activity, leading to symptoms such as extreme sedation, confusion, or even loss of consciousness. The presence of these symptoms suggests that the body is overwhelmed by the effects of the medication, impairing normal brain function. This can occur with a wide range of substances, including opioids, sedatives, and certain antidepressants, where both the dosage and individual patient factors contribute to the severity of the reaction.

Other options might indicate different medical concerns or effects but do not specifically correlate with the more profound and concerning changes in mental state linked to overdose. For instance, rapid heartbeat can occur due to various conditions or stimulant use, aching muscles might be related to physical exertion or other illnesses, and excessive sweating can arise from anxiety or fever rather than directly from an overdose scenario. In the context of overdose, altered consciousness is a more direct and critical indication of severe complications, making it the most relevant sign of medication overdose.