Seizures with heroin use

[scorpio1169]

My boyfriend has been using heroin for a year now. He has tried to hide his use of the drug but I am able to see the difference when he is on it. I am so scared for him. Today I heard a loud crash, then a loud gurgling sound, and ran upstairs calling his name. I found him on the floor face down. He didnt respond to my screaming I tried to get him to sit up and then he started to shake. I placed him on his side and kept trying to get him to respond. It seemed like forever but he  slowly came to in a couple of minutes. We have had this same experience 3 other times in the past month. He said today it had been hours since he last used. He had just gone upstairs and sat in a chair. He doesn't remember anything. Why is this happening hours after he uses? I have found him with a syringe before but the past 2 times there hasnt been one. Has he damaged his brain permanently? He has been trying so hard to get clean. 2 weeks ago he went cold turkey. I was there every second. It was a nightmare and his mood swings were scary but he did it. Im not sure when he started again but he did. Does this cause the seizure like activity. Is he experiencing an od each time?  He is unresponsive, then he gets very still, starts to shake, then still again and has alot of saliva. I am freaking out and it seems like when I am about to run to get my phone to call 911 he opens his eyes and starts gurgling. His breathing is loud. Why is this happening hours after his using. He is lucky to have lived through this,right? I dont know what to do.

[scorpio1169]

Thank you for your response. It is alot to take in especially when I dont know everything going on with him. He is on his way to a facility to detox under medical supervision. His sister drove up here to take him since he gets angry with me. He was so mad but I know it will pass.
Im not sure why this happened so many times. Ofcourse he says it didn't but his sister will let medical staff know.
This forum helps so much. I cant express how nice it is to have someone respond. Thanks again

[kuku4kokopuffs]

What you describe definitely sounds like he had a seizure. I'm not familiar with Heroin withdrawals causing seizures, but it is associated with withdrawals from Benzodiazepines.

I've seen dozens of seizures during my work history ranging from Petite Mal, Startle Seizures, Absence Seizures, to Grand Mall where their arms go out into the cross position and their face turns blue.

A seizure in itself isn't life threatening unless you fall and hit your head on something on the way down. It's impossible to "swallow your tongue", but there is some underlying cause that needs to be looked into. He's not having an OD each time it happens though.

I'm not a doctor, didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, and can't diagnose your BF. Only advise that he needs to see a doctor. The next time he has one I would go ahead and call 911 even if he looks alright.