The Role of Narcan in Overdose Reversal

Opioid abuse has fueled a national epidemic of overdose deaths in the United States. Reversing this devastating trend requires a multi-faceted effort that includes awareness campaigns, overdose prevention education, and expanded access to Narcan and similar medications.

What is Narcan?

Narcan is the brand name of a nasal spray that contains 4 mg of naloxone hydrochloride (which is typically referred to simply as naloxone). When administered in a timely manner, Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Narcan first earned approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. This initial authorization classified Narcan as a prescription drug that could only be administered by qualified professionals. In March 2023, the FDA expanded access to this life-saving medication by allowing it to be sold on an over-the-counter (OTC) basis.

How Does Narcan Help to Reverse an Overdose?

Narcan is delivered via an easy-to-use nasal spray:

If someone has overdosed on heroin, fentanyl, or another opioid, they should be placed flat on their back.
The person who administers the Narcan will place the tip of the device into one of the nostrils of the person who has overdosed.
While pinching the other nostril closed, the rescuer will then press a plunger that delivers the Narcan.
The individual who has overdosed should then be rolled onto their side.
If the person fails to respond to the medication, additional doses of Narcan can be administered every two to three minutes.
Immediately after administering Narcan, someone should call 911 or otherwise summon an emergency first responder.

Here’s how naloxone use can counteract the effects of opioid overdose:

Naloxone (the active ingredient in Narcan) is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to the same receptors in the central nervous system that interact with opioids, without causing the disorienting high that results from opioid abuse.
Naloxone has a stronger connection to opioid receptors than actual opioids do. This allows naloxone to break the connection between the receptors and the opioid that a person has overdosed on. Naloxone can then attach to these receptors, thus blocking the opioids’ ability to cause further harm.

In an emergency response to an opioid overdose, using Narcan can literally be the difference between life and death. But even after a person has been revived, they may still be in danger. This is why it is so important to either summon a first responder or transport the individual to a hospital immediately.

Who Can Access Narcan?

In the United States, there are no longer any restrictions on who can access and use Narcan.

Firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other first responders typically have this medication with them – but you don’t need to be a professional to possess Narcan.

If you work with individuals who regularly engage in opioid abuse, if you have friends or family members who abuse opioids, or if you simply want to have Narcan on hand in case you encounter someone who is in the midst of an opioid overdose, you can acquire the medication.

Narcan is very easy to administer, and its use poses little risk of dangerous side effects.

How Can You Get Narcan?

Since March 2023, Narcan has been legal for over-the-counter purchase in the United States. This means that you can buy the medication at pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retailers that sell OTC drugs. Examples of major chains that carry Narcan include:

CVS
Walmart
Walgreens
Target
Rite Aid

You may also be able to acquire free Narcan from agencies or organizations in your community. For example:

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Naloxone Distribution Project provides free Narcan to first responders, schools, tribal entities, substance use treatment centers, groups that serve unhoused populations, and other organizations.
In southern California (where LA Detox is located), the LA County Library offers free Narcan to individuals who complete a brief training session to learn how to administer the drug.

If you’re not located in California, contact your state or county health department for information about free Narcan sources near you.

Does Narcan Work on Anyone Who is Experiencing an Overdose?

Narcan’s effectiveness as a rescue medication is limited to people who have overdosed on opioids. This category of drugs includes heroin, fentanyl, morphine, and many prescription painkillers (such as those that contain hydrocodone or oxycodone).

If someone has overdosed on cocaine, benzodiazepines, or another non-opioid, Narcan will not reverse the symptoms that they are experiencing.

This can be particularly relevant if someone overdoses after abusing an opioid and another substance. Narcan can reverse the life-threatening effects of the opioid, but it will not alleviate the danger posed by the other substance or substances.

Prevent Your Next Overdose by Receiving the Right Addiction Treatment

If you have become addicted to heroin, prescription painkillers, or other opioids, you can eliminate your risk of overdose by getting the treatment you need to end your use of these dangerous substances.

LA Detox is a trusted provider of personalized care for adults whose lives have been disrupted by compulsive substance abuse. At our opioid addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, California, you can receive focused services from a team of dedicated professionals. We will take the time to get to know you as a unique and valuable individual, and then we’ll develop a customized plan to help you achieve successful, long-term recovery.

With a concerted effort on your part and the comprehensive support of our compassionate caregivers, you can live the healthier and more hopeful life you deserve.

To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

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