Narcan, also called naloxone, is a life-saving drug used to reverse an opioid overdose. Narcotics include prescription opioids like oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl, and illegal opioids like heroin. The narcotics attach to receptors in the body, causing many critical functions (like breathing) to slow down or stop. Narcan, in layperson’s terms, kicks the narcotics off these receptors for a while and reverses the negative effects of the narcotics (i.e. not breathing, decreased level of consciousness).
*Any information on Narcan/naloxone should be verified by the pharmacist providing Narcan/naloxone or by speaking with a doctor. You can also view their website here.
The number of drug overdoses spiked during the pandemic from April 2020 to April 2021. These overdoses led to over 100,000 deaths with over 75% involving narcotics.
In 2019, there were 70,630 deaths from overdoses. 49,860 of those deaths were directly associated with opioids.
Opioids
Anyone can overdose, anyone can die
Narcan
Anyone can get it, anyone can give it
Changing the mindset
In the fight to expand Narcan access to police and other first responders, a disheartening trend appeared.
Questions and comments began surfacing in almost every online social media discussion.
Why bother?
It’s one less drug addict on the street. Why stop that?
The world won’t miss them.
This is heartbreaking to see. Thinking like this is just wrong. Every life has value. For many, an overdose and being saved from the brink of death is the trigger they need to get help.
Overdoses can happen to anyone, even those not intentionally taking narcotics.
- Suicidal individuals, especially teenagers
- Children that got ahold of a family member’s pills
- An elderly individual who took the wrong dose
- Accidental contact with powdered fentanyl
I’ll say it again; an individual’s life is worth saving simply because they have value as a human being.
Reversing an Overdose with narcan
Call 911
*Most states have laws that may protect a person who is overdosing or the person who called for help from legal trouble. –CDC
Administer Narcan/naloxone
The nasal spray device is placed in the patient’s nose and sprayed 1 time. A second dose, or more, may need to be given. See the video below for full instructions.
Keep the person awake and breathing
Rescue breaths and CPR should be performed if necessary.
Turn the individual on their side
Turning a person on their side can help prevent choking.
Stay with the person
Wait with the person to ensure they are safe and don’t need further interventions (CPR, rescue breaths, additional doses). Providing extra information to first responders can really help the situation, too.
Watch this video to learn when and how to administer Narcan.
It’s that easy!
Q&A
Do I need to call 911 after giving Narcan?
YES
Call 911 as soon as possible, no matter what. As Narcan wears off, additional doses may be required. The effects of opioids can last much longer than Narcan does. Narcan may need to be re-administered (a second dose is included in the package) or given via IV by arriving emergency personnel. A person going through an overdose needs immediate medical attention.
Can I give Narcan if I’m not sure they are overdosing?
YES
Narcan administration is unnecessary for individuals not suffering from a narcotic overdose, but the administration will not affect someone who does not need it.
What Symptoms should I look for before administering Narcan?
Severe signs of an overdose include:
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold and/or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
Everything listed above can be a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 even if a drug overdose is ruled out.
How long should it take?
Naloxone can reverse narcotic overdose effects and restore normal breathing within 2-3 minutes. More than one dose may be needed for strong opioids like fentanyl.
What are the side effects?
The side effects of Narcan come from opioid withdrawal symptoms. Having a known allergic reaction to the nasal spray ingredients may contraindicate its administration. Some patients may become aggressive after Narcan is administered (another reason to call 911 immediately). Vomiting may occur, as well as several other symptoms.
Will I get in trouble with the police or anyone else for administering Narcan?
In most states, administering Narcan falls under a Good Samaritan drug overdose law. So far, 47 states have adopted the law. Kansas, Texas, and Wyoming are the three states that do not have a Good Samaritan Law for drug overdoses.
If you are interested in helping individuals in distress, it’s a good idea to be familiar with your state’s specific Good Samaritan law. The law typically provides protection from arrest, charges, or prosecutions for the person overdosing as well as the individual calling for medical services.
View state Good Samaritan Overdose Laws and current status here.
Is Narcan available in my state?
Narcan is available in every state. Most states do not require a prescription. For more resources from your state, click here or ask your local pharmacist.
How much does Narcan cost?
Narcan is around $130 to $140. GoodRx is a great place to check for prices and coupons. A prescription for Narcan can cover a significant portion of the cost. More information on prescriptions can be found here.
Alternatively, local non-profits or addiction recovery services may provide it free to your community.
An overdose doesn’t have to be the end of the story
If you are struggling with addiction, we’d like to encourage you to talk to others about it and seek additional counsel. You’re not alone in your struggle and there are multiple resources available to help.
Narcotics Anonymous is a 12-step program. The program is a group of “recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean”.
Celebrate Recovery “is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind.”
Focus on the Family is a Christian non-profit organization that provides free counseling services and referrals. Their number is 1-855-771-4357. The online page is located here.
Narcan is an essential tool for saving lives from both intentional and accidental overdose. Having the ability to rapidly reverse an overdose is a great first step at reducing the number of lives lost each year to the opioid crisis.
If you found this article helpful, check out 7 Different Ways To Save a Life
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Being trained and being able to adminster Narcan is a great idea – But how does a CERT responder buy this ?
Hi Ken! Many pharmacies provide it over the counter. I was able to get it from a Walmart pharmacy. I don’t think they issued it often. They had to review their procedure first. If you are working with a fire or police department, they may also be a resource for you.
I’d also recommend checking your nearest drug recovery program. Many of them provide free Narcan and training for anyone wanting it.
https://www.narcan.com/patients/how-to-get-narcan/