Which of the following symptoms indicates a depressant overdose?

Shallow respiration is a key indicator of a depressant overdose. Depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, work by slowing down the central nervous system. When someone overdoses on these substances, their respiratory function can be severely compromised, leading to shallow or even absent breathing. This is a critical symptom, as inadequate respiratory function can lead to hypoxia, brain damage, or death.

In contrast, dilated pupils are typically associated with stimulant use rather than depressants. Increased body temperature can occur in a number of conditions, including stimulant overdoses or severe infections, and is not standard for depressants specifically. Severe agitation is more commonly connected with stimulant use or withdrawal symptoms rather than an overdose of depressants. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for recognizing the dangers associated with depressant substances and effectively responding to an overdose situation.