How to Use Naloxone to Prevent Narcotic Overdose
With so many people addicted to opioids it is important that as many people possible know what to do when someone is overdosing from narcotic use or abuse. Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and is now being found in a great number of “street pills” made to look like regular oxycodone, hydrocodone and even adderall pills. Buying pills on the street has without a doubt become a game of Russian roulette, never knowing how much fentanyl is in any given pill.
Overdose Reversal Agents
What is an overdose reversal agent?
An overdose reversal agent is a medication, designed to reverse the effects of an overdose.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine.
How is naloxone given?
If someone has overdosed, a naloxone kit can be used to save them. You can get a kit from a specially trained pharmacist without a prescription, but it may not be covered by your medical insurance unless your doctor writes an order. Naloxone is also known by the brand name Narcan. Naloxone is typically available in three formulations:
- Nasal spray (naloxone nasal spray works even if the person is not breathing)
- Nasal atomizer spray (naloxone atomizer spray works even if the person is not breathing.
- Injection (for instructions, please see page two).
What does an overdose look like?
Three strong signs of overdose are:
- Tiny, pinpoint pupils
- Slow and shallow breathing
- Unconsciousness and/or unresponsiveness
How do I know when to use naloxone?
If you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, it does not hurt to give naloxone. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, methadone, morphine, opium, codeine, or hydrocodone. It does not reverse the effects of other types of drugs like alcohol or stimulants like cocaine. If the person has mixed drugs and an opioid is involved, the person will likely start breathing but continue to be sedated from the other drugs. Call 911 immediately.
How can I tell if it’s working?
If someone is experiencing an opioid overdose and is given naloxone, they should wake up in 2–3 minutes. If the person does not wake up in 3 minutes or loses consciousness again after 30–90 minutes, give them a second dose of naloxone. Stay with the person until help arrives.