What Is Narcan?

You just witnessed someone overdose. Their breathing slowed, they lost consciousness, and their skin turned blue and cold. This terrifying scene could mean the difference between life or death. Administering naloxone hydrochloride, known as Narcan, during an opioid overdose can reverse the effects and save a life. This medication blocks opioid receptor sites, reversing the toxic effects of the overdose. In 2017 alone, Narcan reversed over 11,000 overdoses across the country. This life saving medication provides a second chance when every second counts. Read on to learn what Narcan is, how it works during an overdose, and why having it on hand could save someone’s life.

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A Lifesaving Overdose Reversal Drug

Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opioids and restoring normal breathing within 2-3 minutes in someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an overdose.

Quick Facts

Narcan has no potential for abuse and no side effects in someone not experiencing an overdose.
It is easy to use – administered as a nasal spray or injection into a muscle.

Overcoming the Opioid Crisis

Opioid overdose deaths have risen sharply in recent years due to the proliferation of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Expanding access to Narcan empowers individuals and communities to respond quickly and save lives during an overdose emergency. Many first responders and treatment centers now routinely stock and distribute Narcan.

At Evoke Wellness at Hilliard, our comprehensive programs include:

Narcan provides a vital second chance on the road to recovery from opioid addiction.

Be Prepared With Narcan® Nasal Spray

A Life-Saving Tool

Narcan® (naloxone) nasal spray can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, potentially saving someone’s life. Having this medication on hand provides a crucial safeguard against accidental overdoses from heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers, and other opioids.

Get It Prescribed

Talk to your doctor or visit a local pharmacy or community organization that distributes naloxone. Many areas provide training on recognizing overdose signs and administering Narcan® properly.

Keep doses accessible in homes, workplaces, and anywhere opioid use may occur.
Educate loved ones on using Narcan® and calling emergency services immediately after use.

Seek Addiction Help

While Narcan® buys time in an overdose crisis, it’s a temporary solution. Seek comprehensive treatment to overcome opioid addiction through options like:

Acute detox programs
Medication-assisted treatment
Heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid addiction rehab

Having Narcan® nasal spray nearby, combined with addiction treatment, provides the best path to recovery.

How to Administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray

Identify an Opioid Overdose

Look for slow, shallow breathing or no breathing at all
Check for bluish or grayish skin tint, especially on lips and nails
See if the person is unresponsive or unconscious

Administer Narcan Nasal Spray

Narcan (naloxone) can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. Administer it quickly:

Lay the person on their back

Tilt head back, straighten neck

Insert nozzle into one nostril

Press plunger firmly to release dose

If no response in 2-3 minutes, give second dose in other nostril

Monitor and Support

Narcan wears off in 30-90 minutes, so overdose may return
Call 911 immediately for emergency medical care
Try rescue breathing if breathing is shallow or stopped
Stay with the person until help arrives to prevent another overdose

Proper Narcan administration can provide critical time to get life-saving emergency treatment for an opioid overdose. Quick action is key.

Who Do You Think Needs NARCAN® Nasal Spray

First Responders

Emergency personnel like EMTs and police officers are often first on the scene during an overdose crisis. Having easy access to NARCAN® nasal spray allows them to quickly reverse an opioid overdose and save lives.

Friends & Family

If someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction in Ohio, it’s wise to keep NARCAN® on hand. Overdoses can happen unexpectedly – being prepared with this life-saving medication could make all the difference.

Community Groups

Addiction impacts entire communities. Organizations working in high-risk areas should consider stocking NARCAN® nasal spray kits. Quick access can prevent tragic overdose deaths from occurring.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, clinics and treatment centers frequently encounter opioid overdoses. Ensuring NARCAN® is readily available prepares staff to respond swiftly and safely reverse these potentially fatal emergencies.

Where Can You Get Narcan?

At Pharmacies

You can get Narcan (naloxone) at most pharmacies without a prescription in many states. Talk to your pharmacist about availability and costs.

From Community Organizations

Many community organizations provide free Narcan kits and training on how to use them. Look for local harm reduction groups, health departments or treatment providers.

Through Treatment Programs

If you or a loved one is in addiction treatment, ask about getting Narcan. Acute detox centers, medication-assisted treatment clinics, heroin/opioid rehab programs and prescription drug rehab facilities often provide or prescribe it.

This life-saving medication temporarily reverses an opioid overdose, allowing time to get emergency medical care. Having Narcan on hand and knowing how to use it could save someone’s life.

Laws and Regulations for Narcan

Prescription Requirements

In most states, you need a prescription to obtain Narcan (naloxone). However, many states have passed laws allowing pharmacists to dispense it without a doctor’s order.
Some states classify naloxone as a prescription medication. Other states have moved to make it available over-the-counter.

Access Initiatives

The federal government recommends that naloxone be co-prescribed for patients at high risk of opioid overdose.
Many harm reduction organizations offer free naloxone distribution programs and training.
Some schools and public spaces are stocking emergency naloxone kits in case of overdoses.

Good Samaritan Laws

Most states have “good samaritan” laws protecting people who call 911 to report an overdose from minor drug possession charges.
These laws aim to reduce fear of legal repercussions as a barrier to calling for life-saving medical help during an overdose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Narcan

What is Narcan?

Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
It allows the overdose victim to breathe again until emergency medical help arrives.

How is Narcan administered?

Narcan comes in a nasal spray or injectable form that can be easily administered by first responders, harm reduction workers, or bystanders.
The effects are temporary, so immediate medical attention is still crucial after administering Narcan.

Is Narcan accessible?

Many states have passed laws making Narcan available without a prescription from pharmacies.
Narcan has helped reverse over 26,000 opioid overdoses since its widespread distribution began.

Does Narcan enable drug use?

No, Narcan is not a treatment for addiction and has no potential for abuse or getting high.
It simply buys time for the overdose victim to receive emergency care and addiction treatment services.

At Evoke Wellness at Hilliard, we provide comprehensive treatment for opioid addiction including acute detox, medication-assisted treatment, heroin addiction programs, fentanyl addiction programs, prescription drug rehab, and painkiller addiction programs. Narcan saves lives, reducing overdose deaths until recovery is possible.

Conclusion

You now have a comprehensive understanding of Narcan. This lifesaving overdose reversal drug has become a critical tool to combat the opioid epidemic. With overdose deaths at record highs, Narcan provides a safety net to reverse potentially fatal overdoses. Having access to this medication and getting trained on its proper administration empowers you to save lives. Reach out to local organizations to get Narcan and overdose response training. Together, we can stem the tide of this epidemic. There are treatment options available to achieve recovery. Contact an addiction treatment center to learn about evidence-based programs to treat opioid addiction and reclaim your life.