Opioid users are at high risk of suffering from drug overdoses. The number of heroin overdoses have increased throughout the years. Naloxone has been used for decades during emergencies to reverse the symptoms of opioid overdose. By making naloxone more widely available, studies have shown that the drug is useful in reducing opioid overdose-related deaths.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
It is a prescription medicine that reverses an opioid overdose safely and effectively. It cannot be used to get high and is not addictive.
How does naloxone help?
Naloxone is an antidote to opioid drugs. Opioid drugs include: Heroin, morphine, oxycodone (Oxycontin), methadone, hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and other prescription pain medications. Opioids can slow or stop a person’s breathing, which causes death. Naloxone helps the person wake up and keeps them breathing.
An overdose death may happen hours after taking drugs. If a bystander acts when they first notice a person’s breathing has slowed, or when they can’t awaken a user, there is time to call 911, start rescue breathing and give naloxone.
Please note: Naloxone does not prevent deaths caused by other drugs such as benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax®, Klonopin® and Valium®), bath salts, cocaine, methamphetamine or alcohol. Always call 911 as an overdose victim may need other care.
How can you give naloxone?
Bystanders can safely and legally spray naloxone into the nose or inject it into a muscle.
How long does it take naloxone to work?
Naloxone acts in 2-5 minutes. If the person doesn’t wake up in 5 minutes, bystanders should give a second dose. Rescue breathing should be done while you wait for the naloxone to take effect to that the person gets oxygen to their brain.
Can naloxone wear off before the drugs that cause the overdose?
Yes. Naloxone typically wears off in 30-90 minutes and the person can stop breathing again, unless more naloxone is available. For this reason, it is safest to call 911 and have the person taken for medical care.
Can naloxone harm someone?
No. If you suspect an opioid overdose, it is safe to give naloxone. People who used opioids will then wake up and go into withdrawal.
Is the overdose scene in the movie Pulp Fiction realistic?
No. Pulp Fiction is a movie! An opioid overdose victim acts the opposite of how Uma Thurman acts in the movie. A person overdosing from heroin or pain medication may be very quiet or irregularly snoring or gasping. Gradually the breathing slows or stops as their skin turns dusky blue or gray. In real life, bystanders who witness an overdose SHOULD NOT INJECT ANYTHING INTO THE HEART. Instead, they should squirt naloxone into the nose, or inject naloxone into the upper arm (deltoid) or the thigh.
Where can I get naloxone?
Given the ongoing burden of opioid addiction, The Take Home Naloxone Program allows not only doctors, but also pharmacists at your local pharmacy, to provide naloxone education and take-home kits to high-risk hospitalized patients with an opioid use disorder and their family and friends.
Is naloxone just a “safety net” that allows users to use even more?
Research studies have investigated this common concern and found that making naloxone available does NOT encourage people to use opiates more. The goal of distributing naloxone and educating people about how to prevent, recognize and intervene in overdoses is to prevent deaths. Other goals, such as decreasing drug use, can only be accomplished if the user is alive.
HELP IS AVAILABLE!
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction and seeking treatment these resources are here to help!
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline
Phone toll free: 1-800-327-5050 (Available 24/7!)
www.helpline-online.com
The Institute for Health and Recovery
Phone: 1-866-705-2807
References
Breedvelt, J. F., Tracey, D. K., Dickenson, E. C., & Dean, L. V. (2015). “Take home” naloxone: what does the evidence base tell us?. Drugs & Alcohol Today, 15(2), 67-75 9p. doi:10.1108/DAT-03-2015-0017
Johnson, C., Buxton, J., Harrison, S., Ahamad, K., Nolan, S., Lappalainen, L., & … Wood, E. (2016). Implementation of a Naloxone Distribution Program in an Inpatient Addiction Service: A Case Study. Canadian Journal Of Addiction, 7(1), 22-25.
McConnell, E. (1996). Myths & facts… about naloxone. Nursing, 26(8), 17-17 1p.
Amanda,
You chose an important topic to focus your blog on. Drug overdoses caused by opiates are on the rise. You did a great job explaining what Narcan is and how it reverses the effects of opiods. You chose images and videos that were eye catching and informative. I like how you included resources at the end of your blog for people that are seeking help. Great job!