Homepage Register for 90-Day Recovery Challenge

Narcan (Naloxone)

Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose when given in time. Naloxone works by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain and body, which can help restore breathing when it has slowed or stopped because of opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, or other opioid medications. It is not a treatment for opioid use disorder, but it can keep someone alive long enough to receive emergency care.

Opioid overdose remains a major public health issue in the United States, especially because illicitly manufactured fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids can be present in the drug supply. During an overdose, breathing can become dangerously slow or stop entirely, creating a medical emergency in which every minute matters. Naloxone can begin restoring normal breathing within minutes, and it is considered safe to give even if the cause of the overdose is uncertain.

Signs of a Possible Opioid Overdose

Common signs of an opioid overdose include very slow or shallow breathing, gurgling or choking sounds, loss of consciousness, a limp body, pale or clammy skin, bluish or grayish lips or fingernails, vomiting, a weak pulse, and very small “pinpoint” pupils. If someone is unresponsive and an opioid overdose is possible, it is better to act quickly than to wait.

How to Respond in an Emergency

1. Call 911 immediately. An overdose is a medical emergency, and naloxone is temporary.
2. Give naloxone as soon as possible if it is available. For nasal spray, place the tip in one nostril and press the plunger firmly.
3. Support breathing if trained to do so, and follow emergency dispatcher instructions.
4. Place the person on their side to help prevent choking if they are unconscious or very drowsy.
5. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. If breathing does not improve after a few minutes, give another dose if available.

Safety and Side Effects

Naloxone is safe and will not harm someone who does not have opioids in their system. However, in a person who is physically dependent on opioids, naloxone may cause sudden withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking, restlessness, irritability, fast heart rate, or body aches. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but the priority during an overdose is restoring breathing and preventing death.

Access and Availability

In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan 4 mg naloxone nasal spray for over-the-counter, nonprescription use, making it possible for consumers to buy it directly in many pharmacies, stores, and online. Naloxone may also be available through community organizations, public health departments, harm reduction programs, and some healthcare providers. Local availability and cost can vary, so people who want to carry naloxone should check nearby pharmacies or local public health resources.

REDUCING STIGMA AND ENCOURAGING PREPAREDNESS

Carrying naloxone is similar to carrying a first-aid tool: it prepares a person to help during a medical emergency. Friends, family members, coworkers, service providers, and bystanders can all play a role in overdose prevention by learning the signs of overdose, knowing how to use naloxone, and calling emergency services without delay. Expanding access to naloxone also helps reduce stigma by treating overdose as a health emergency that deserves a fast, compassionate response.

Conclusion

Narcan and other naloxone products are simple, portable, and potentially life-saving. While naloxone does not replace emergency medical care or long-term treatment for substance use disorders, it can reverse the immediate effects of an opioid overdose and give someone a critical chance to survive. The more people who understand naloxone and are prepared to use it, the more lives can be saved.

We're Standing Up for Recovery

Because We Care!