Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, is a medicine that can help someone during an opioid overdose. It comes as a nasal spray or needle injection. When someone takes more opioid than prescribed or without knowing, their breathing can slow down or stop. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, which helps the person start breathing again and wake up.
After naloxone is used, the person who was revived might feel upset, confused, angry, or even violent. These are withdrawal symptoms because the opioids are leaving their brain. Stay calm and try to prevent them from using substances again.
Naloxone usually has few side effects. For people who depend on opioids, it might cause sweating, agitation, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, and high blood pressure. These side effects are minor compared to the benefits of naloxone.
Naloxone is safe and only works for opioid overdoses. If you give it to someone who isn’t on opioids, it won’t hurt them. There is no harm if you use it on someone who is experiencing an overdose.
Always carry naloxone with you. Naloxone is available at pharmacies and some healthcare and nonprofit organizations in Minnesota. After naloxone is given to someone who has overdosed, it works for only 30 to 90 minutes. Always call 911 or seek medical help right away.
If you think someone is having an overdose, knowing how to use naloxone can be crucial:
1. Check the Person: See if they are awake and breathing. Look for signs like not responding, very light or no breathing, and very small pupils.
2. Call 911: Tell them there is a possible opioid overdose and give your exact location. Minnesota’s Good Samaritan law protects you when you help.
3. Use Naloxone: Follow the instructions on the package. Naloxone comes as a nasal spray or an injection.
4. After Giving Naloxone: Watch to see if they start breathing on their own. If they do, turn them onto their side to prevent choking. Stay with them until help arrives.
5. Remember: Naloxone is important, but professional medical help is still needed right away. Even if someone is not happy about being revived, you did the right thing by helping them.
Anyone can use naloxone. Watch this video to see how it is done.
Naloxone is a potentially life-saving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, knowing how to administer naloxone can help change the outcome.
Anyone can administer naloxone. This video will walk you through the steps.
A: Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose by blocking the action of opioids in the body.
A: Naloxone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and displacing any opioids present. It rapidly blocks the action of opioids and reverses the effects, restoring normal respiration.
A: Naloxone is primarily used to treat opioid overdoses, including those caused by prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. It is commonly used in emergency situations where opioid overdose is suspected.
A: Naloxone can be administered through injection, nasal spray, and auto-injector. Although injection is the most common and effective method, nasal spray or auto-injector formulations allow easy and quick administration by non-medical personnel.
A: Naloxone generally has few side effects, but they can include withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are physically dependent on opioids. These symptoms may include sweating, agitation, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Still, the benefits of naloxone far outweigh any potential side effects.
A: Naloxone is relatively safe, and it does not produce any significant effects in individuals who do not have opioids in their system. If naloxone is administered to someone who has not taken opioids, it is unlikely to cause any harm.
A: In Minnesota, naloxone is available without a prescription. It is often distributed through community-based programs, pharmacies, and harm reduction initiatives to make it more accessible for individuals at risk of opioid overdose or those who may witness an overdose. The naloxone finder can help you find naloxone in a place that’s closest to you
A: The effects of naloxone typically last between 30 to 90 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on the dose administered, the individual's metabolism, and the type of opioid involved. It is important to seek medical help even after naloxone administration to ensure the person's safety.
A: Yes. Even though naloxone can be very effective, it is not a substitute for seeking medical emergency care. It is an important first aid response to an opioid overdose, but it does not replace the need for professional medical attention. Always call 911 immediately when administering naloxone. It’s worth remembering that individuals revived by naloxone are not always happy about it. But even if they’re upset that you intervened, you’ve done the right thing.
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