Unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, and constricted pupils are indicative of which type of drug overdose?

Unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, and constricted pupils are classic signs of a narcotic overdose. Narcotics, which include opioids such as heroin, morphine, and prescription medications like oxycodone, depress the central nervous system. This depression can lead to a significant decrease in respiratory drive, resulting in shallow or ineffective breathing.

Constricted pupils, or pinpoint pupils, are another hallmark of narcotic use and overdose. This is due to the drugs' effects on the autonomic nervous system, specifically its action on the muscles controlling the size of the iris. In contrast, other substances listed do not typically present this triad of symptoms. For example, marijuana may affect consciousness and perception but does not usually lead to shallow breathing or pinpoint pupils in the same manner. Barbiturates can cause respiratory depression and altered mental status, similar to narcotics, but constricted pupils are not a common indicator. Amphetamines, on the other hand, usually result in increased alertness and dilated pupils rather than unresponsiveness. Thus, the combination of these specific symptoms strongly indicates a narcotic overdose.