What is Narcan?

Naloxone, or more commonly known as Narcan, is an easy to use drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses within minutes of administration. It is also effective in reversing synthetic opioid fentanyl overdoses.

Narcan can be administered through a nasal spray, meaning that a non-medical professional can administer it easily.

How to administer Narcan

After administering Narcan, call 911.

Stay with the person who has overdosed until help arrives.

3. Stay

Lay the person who has overdosed flat on their back.

1. Lay

Insert Narcan into a nostril and press the plunger to release the medication.

2. Spray

More information on Narcan and how to administer it can be found on narcan.com.

What is an opioid?

Opioids are drugs that are used to treat pain and are typically prescribed by a patient's doctor. Opioids are also sold and consumed in street drug usage.

Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain which help to reduce feelings of pain. They are typically prescribed after major surgeries but can be abused to achieve a "euphoric" feeling.

If you are struggling with an opioid addiction please seek help by calling 988 - the suicide/crisis hotline.

Common opioid examples:

Morphine
Codeine
OxyContin (oxycodone)
Tramadol
Buprenorphine
Methadone
Vicodin (hydrocodone)
Heroin
Fentanyl

How can you spot when someone has overdosed?

Opioid overdoses occur when there is a high volume intake of an opioid, this leads to a life threatening situation. There are signs of an opioid overdose that are essential to recognize in order to be able to have the opportunity to administer Narcan.

Signs of an overdose include:

Not waking or responding to touch/voice
Abnormal or slow breathing
Pin-point sized pupils
Bluish nose and lips