What is a common sign of narcotic overdose?

A common sign of narcotic overdose is hypothermia. Narcotics, or opioids, can depress the central nervous system, leading to reduced thermoregulation and potentially resulting in a drop in body temperature. This can occur because opioids affect the hypothalamus, which plays a critical role in temperature regulation.

While urinary retention can occur due to the anticholinergic effect of certain opioids, it is not as definitive or immediate a sign of overdose as hypothermia. Elevated blood pressure is more often associated with withdrawal symptoms or other conditions rather than an overdose scenario, where blood pressure is typically lowered. Pupil dilation is often associated with stimulants or could be a sign of withdrawal from narcotics, while opioid overdose usually presents with miosis (constricted pupils). Thus, hypothermia stands out as a key indicator of narcotic overdose.