In 2019, the opioid crisis claimed nearly 50,000 lives in the United States alone. This devastating number includes overdoses from prescription pain relievers, heroin, and potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The economic impact of prescription opioid misuse is estimated by the CDC to be a staggering $78.5 billion annually.¹ In the face of this ongoing epidemic, understanding naloxone, widely recognized by its brand name Narcan, is more critical than ever. Narcan is a vital tool with the potential to save lives during an opioid overdose. This article will explore what Narcan is, how it works, and why it’s essential knowledge for everyone.
Understanding Naloxone: How Narcan Reverses Opioid Overdoses
Naloxone is classified as an opioid antagonist. Unlike medications that might counteract symptoms, naloxone directly intervenes in the brain’s opioid receptors. Imagine brain cells as a shape sorter toy, where opioid molecules fit into specific receptor ‘holes.’ Narcan works by competing with and displacing opioids from these receptors, effectively blocking the opioid’s effects. It can kick the opioid out or occupy the receptor site before the opioid can take hold. This action reverses the life-threatening respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose.
It’s crucial to understand that Narcan is specifically designed for opioid overdoses. It will not work for overdoses involving non-opioid drugs and has no effect on individuals who have not used opioids.²
Recognizing the Signs of an Opioid Overdose
Being able to identify an opioid overdose is the first step in potentially saving a life. While any opioid use carries overdose risk, certain factors can increase this risk, such as:
- Mixing opioids with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines.
- Taking high doses of opioids.
- Using more opioids than prescribed.
- Using illicit opioids which may contain unpredictable and dangerous substances like fentanyl.
- Underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea or impaired liver or kidney function.
The signs of an opioid overdose can include:
- Slowed, shallow, or absent breathing.
- Pinpoint pupils (excessively small pupils).
- Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness.
- Choking or gurgling sounds.
- Limp body.
- Pale, blue, or cold skin.
If you suspect an opioid overdose, immediate action is critical.
How to Respond: Administering Narcan and Calling for Help
In the event of a suspected opioid overdose, the protocol is clear: administer naloxone and immediately call 911. While waiting for emergency services, try to keep the person awake and responsive by talking to them. It’s important to know that the effects of naloxone are temporary, and depending on the type and amount of opioid in their system, a second or even more doses of Narcan might be necessary. Remain with the person and continue to monitor their condition until professional medical help arrives.
Understanding Narcan’s Potential Side Effects
While Narcan is remarkably safe and effective at reversing opioid overdoses, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, while uncomfortable, are not life-threatening. They may include:
- Headache
- Changes in blood pressure and rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Irritability, nervousness, or aggressive behavior
- Body aches and fever
- Runny nose and sneezing
It’s important to remember that these withdrawal symptoms are a sign that Narcan is working to restore breathing and consciousness, and they are a far less dangerous outcome than the opioid overdose itself.
Why Calling 911 is Non-Negotiable After Narcan Use
Even after successfully administering Narcan and seeing someone regain consciousness, calling 911 is absolutely essential. Naloxone is fast-acting but temporary, whereas opioids can have long-lasting effects in the body. As Narcan wears off, the person can relapse back into respiratory depression and overdose. This is a serious and common occurrence. Professional medical evaluation and support are crucial to manage the overdose effectively and prevent relapse.
Furthermore, many communities have Good Samaritan laws and amnesty policies in place to encourage people to call for help during an overdose without fear of legal repercussions for drug use or possession. Prioritizing a person’s life by calling 911 is always the right decision.
Narcan is a powerful and readily available tool that empowers individuals to make a difference in the opioid crisis. By understanding what Narcan is, how to recognize an overdose, and how to respond, you can be prepared to save a life.
References
¹ Opioid overdose crisis. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Updated March 11, 2021. Accessed May 23, 2021. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
² Naloxone. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Updated September 2019. Accessed May 23, 2021. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone
