What is a common symptom of medication overdose?

A common symptom associated with medication overdose includes a range of serious effects such as confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, or respiratory distress. This is because an overdose can significantly disrupt normal bodily functions and cognitive abilities. Confusion may arise due to alterations in brain function, while dizziness and drowsiness may reflect the impact of excessive substance levels on the central nervous system. Respiratory distress indicates a potential failure in normal respiratory function, which can occur with certain types of medications, particularly those that depress the central nervous system.

The other symptoms listed, such as nausea only, headache only, or excessive thirst, are more general symptoms that can relate to various conditions or mild side effects rather than specifically indicating an overdose situation. The combination of confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and respiratory distress provides a clearer clinical picture that signals a potential overdose, thus highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the necessity for immediate medical attention.