Narcan | Everything You Need to Know | Mountain Vista Recovery

Narcan (naloxone) is a prescription medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids (like heroin, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, etc.) target, effectively blocking or reversing their effects. Here’s everything you should know about Narcan:

1. How Narcan Works

Narcan is an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses the effects of opioids. It can quickly reverse life-threatening respiratory depression (slow or stopped breathing) caused by opioid overdoses.

• Onset of Action: When administered, Narcan typically starts working within 2-3 minutes, and its peak effect is usually within 5 to 10 minutes. Its effects usually last 30 to 90 minutes, but opioids can stay in the system longer, so additional doses may be needed.

2. Forms of Narcan

Narcan comes in several forms:

• Narcan Nasal Spray: A pre-measured, ready-to-use spray that is administered into the nose. This is the most common form used by non-medical responders.
• Narcan Injectable (Naloxone Hydrochloride): An injectable form (typically administered into the muscle) used by medical professionals or in certain emergency situations.
• Narcan Auto-injector (Evzio): A pre-filled, automatic injector that delivers naloxone into the muscle, similar to how an EpiPen works for an allergic reaction.

3. How to Use Narcan

For the Nasal Spray:

• Step 1: Call 911 or emergency services for help.
• Step 2: Hold the Narcan nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom and your two fingers on the nozzle.
• Step 3: Insert the nozzle into one of the person’s nostrils.
• Step 4: Press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
• Step 5: After using Narcan, try to wake the person and monitor their breathing. If they do not respond or start breathing again, you may need to administer another dose after 2-3 minutes and seek further medical help.

For the Injectable Form:

• Step 1: Call 911.
• Step 2: Inject Narcan into the muscle (thigh or upper arm), following the instructions provided with the medication.
• Step 3: Monitor the person closely, and if they don’t respond within 2-3 minutes, administer another dose.

4. Who Should Have Narcan?

Narcan is crucial for:

• People at risk of opioid overdose: Those who use prescription opioids, heroin, fentanyl, or other illicit opioids.
• Family members, friends, or caregivers: Anyone who is around someone at risk of an overdose.
• First responders and community members: EMS, law enforcement, or anyone in a high-risk area for opioid overdoses.

5. What to Do After Using Narcan

After administering Narcan, it is important to:

• Call 911 immediately: Narcan may wear off before the opioid has completely left the system, and the person could relapse into overdose symptoms.
• Monitor the person: Even if they seem to recover, they may need additional doses of Narcan.
• Be aware of withdrawal symptoms: Narcan will reverse the effects of opioids, which could cause the person to experience withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, nausea, or vomiting.

6. Side Effects of Narcan

Narcan is generally safe, but like any medication, it can have side effects, including:

• Opioid withdrawal symptoms: If the person is physically dependent on opioids, Narcan will trigger withdrawal, which can be uncomfortable but is not life-threatening.
• Nausea or vomiting: Especially if the person is not used to being without opioids.
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, or irritability: In some cases, but these symptoms are generally not dangerous.

7. Why Narcan is Important

1. Life-saving: It has been credited with saving thousands of lives by preventing fatal opioid overdoses.
2. Wide accessibility: In many places, Narcan is available without a prescription at pharmacies or through harm-reduction programs.
3. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids: Fentanyl and its analogs are often much more potent than heroin and can cause overdose even in small amounts. Narcan is effective against fentanyl overdoses but may require higher or multiple doses due to the potency of these opioids.

8. Legality and Access to Narcan

• Legal status: In many regions, Narcan is available without a prescription at pharmacies, and harm-reduction programs distribute it for free or at low cost.
• Good Samaritan laws: Many states and countries have laws that protect individuals from legal liability if they use Narcan in good faith to help someone experiencing an overdose.

9. Other Narcan Considerations

• Training: While Narcan is simple to use, training and familiarity with the procedure can help save lives. Many public health programs offer free training on how to administer Narcan.
• Naloxone vs. Other Drugs: Narcan only works on opioid overdoses. It will not reverse overdoses from other types of drugs, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Conclusion

Narcan is a critical tool in combating the opioid overdose crisis. Having access to and knowing how to use Narcan can save lives in emergency situations. If you’re in an area with a high risk of opioid overdoses or know someone who uses opioids, keeping Narcan on hand is highly recommended.

If you’re considering getting Narcan, check local resources as many places make it available for free or at a reduced cost to community members, or contact Mountain Vista Recovery today.