When administered through injection or by nasal spray, naloxone—Narcan—can reverse an overdose by temporarily blocking the effects of opiates like heroin and opioid painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the availability of naloxone without a prescription in NY. It’s a great move and here’s what you need to know about Narcan.
1. Naloxone is not a new drug and has been used by emergency personnel for decades. As the heroin crisis continues, the widespread distribution of naloxone is an important strategy for reducing fatalities.
2. Shallow, erratic breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, constricted pupils, blue fingernails, lips and skin, loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness are symptoms of overdose.
3. For a person whose breathing is impaired, rescue breathing is one of the most important steps in preventing death. Check the person’s mouth and clear an airway by tilting their head back, pinch the nose and give two full breaths, followed by a breath every five seconds.
4. Don’t hesitate to administer naloxone. The nasal spray works as well as injectable naloxone and poses no danger to those who come in contact with it. The medication has no potential for abuse and no effect on a person who has not taken opioids.
5. Naloxone doesn’t work on other drugs like cocaine, Xanax or alcohol, but if a person is overdosing on a combination of substances that includes an opiate, blocking the effect of that drug may reverse the overdose.
6. Calling 911 after administering naloxone is critical. Naloxone blocks the effects of an opioid for 30 to 90 minutes and when it wears off, the person may slip back into a life-threatening state. NY’s 911 Good Samaritan law prohibits drug-related criminal prosecution of those who call for help for an overdose.
7. Someone revived with Narcan will likely experience withdrawal. The best way to address these symptoms is via emergency medical care rather than using more opioids that increase the risk of subsequent overdose.
8. Everyone should have naloxone. Naloxone should be available in public spaces, like defibrillators.
9. Narcan isn’t a cure for addiction anymore than CPR is a cure for heart disease.
—Jeffrey L. Reynolds, PhD
President/CEO of Family & Children’s Assoc.
