If you or someone else is currently experiencing a drug overdose or having a medical emergency, CALL 911! This guide is intended to educate others on what to do before a medical emergency happens, and is not a substitute for professional medical help!

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a life-saving medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses from heroin and fentanyl. With the ongoing opioid crisis, understanding how to use Narcan can be crucial in saving lives, and if you have a loved one that is an active drug user, it’s extremely important for you to read this guide! This guide will walk you through what Narcan is, how it works, and the step-by-step process on how to use it and reverse an opiate overdose.

What is Narcan?

Narcan (naloxone) is an opioid antagonist, meaning it works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reversing and blocking the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications like oxycontin, dilaudid, and hydrocodone or Vicodin. Narcan can quickly restore normal breathing in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose. Naloxone is NOT a controlled substance, meaning it is completely legal to purchase, possess, and use.

When to Use Narcan

Knowing when to use Narcan is vital. It should be administered when someone is suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose. Signs of an opioid overdose include:

• Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
• Slow, shallow, or no breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Pale, blue, or cold skin, especially on lips and fingernails
• Gurgling or choking sounds

If you suspect an opioid overdose, act quickly. Keep in mind, fentanyl is frequently found in cocaine, MDA, MDMA, and other drugs that are not opiates. Narcan is safe to use and has no serious side effects if given to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose. So if someone is exhibiting these symptoms after using drugs, even if the drug they took is not an opiate, it is a safe and smart idea to administer Narcan, just in case an opiate was mixed in.

Types of Narcan

Narcan is available in two forms:

1. Nasal Spray: This is the most common and user-friendly form of Narcan. It is pre-packaged, easy to carry, and can be administered quickly. This is the type of narcan administration we’ll cover in this article, as it’s what is commonly available.
   
2. Injectable: This form is less common for bystander use but is available for those trained in its administration. It involves using a syringe to inject Narcan into a muscle.

How to Use Narcan Nasal Spray

Using Narcan nasal spray is straightforward and requires no medical training! Anyone can administer it. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Responsiveness

• Shake the person gently and shout their name.
• If there is no response, rub your knuckles on the person’s sternum (the center of the chest) to try to wake them up. Use firm pressure. You can try this on yourself to see how effective this should be in waking someone up.
• If there is still no response, proceed to use Narcan.

Step 2: Call for Emergency Help

• Call 911 immediately. Even if the person wakes up after administering Narcan, they need to be evaluated by medical professionals. Narcan can also wear off, and the person slip back into an overdose if their usage was a particularly high amount, so you need medical professionals to take care of them.

Step 3: Administer Narcan

• Lay the person on their back to ensure a clear airway.
• Remove the Narcan nasal spray from its packaging.
• Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under their neck with your hand.
• Insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the person’s nose.
• Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the person’s nose.

Step 4: Observe the Person

• After administering Narcan, turn the person onto their side (recovery position) to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
• If the person does not respond within 2 to 3 minutes, administer a second dose of Narcan using a new nasal spray.
• Continue to monitor the person’s breathing and stay with them until emergency medical help arrives.

Step 5: Post-Administration Care

• Be aware that Narcan’s effects last for 30 to 90 minutes. Since most opioids last longer than Narcan, the person may experience a return of overdose symptoms.
• It’s essential that the person receives medical care, as they might need additional doses of Narcan or other medical interventions.

Safety Precautions and Considerations

• Storage: Store Narcan at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
• Expiration Date: Always check the expiration date on your Narcan kit. While expired Narcan is not harmful, it may be less effective. Expired Narcan is better than no Narcan though.
• Multiple Doses: Some overdoses, especially those involving potent opioids like fentanyl, may require multiple doses of Narcan.
• Legal Protections: Many regions have Good Samaritan laws that protect individuals who administer Narcan in an emergency from legal liability.

Why Narcan is Essential

The opioid crisis has made Narcan an essential tool in combating overdose deaths. The widespread availability of Narcan empowers bystanders to act swiftly in the event of an overdose, significantly increasing the chances of survival. Plus, the ease of use of Narcan nasal spray means that you don’t need to be a medical professional to administer it effectively.

Narcan is absolutely vital for anyone to own who uses drugs, or has a loved one who uses drugs. It’s extremely important to be prepared for a worst case scenario, because you being prepared can save someone’s life. Even though I have been sober a long time, and I do not know anyone actively using, I keep Narcan with me in case I run across someone in the city having an overdose, because it is so common these days.

Where to Get Narcan

Some community organizations also provide Narcan kits for free or at a reduced cost, especially in areas heavily affected by opioid use. Carrying Narcan if you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose can be a lifesaving decision.

There are multiple places to get Narcan online as well. It is cheap, and requires no medical license or prescription to own. And since some overdoses may require multiple doses of Narcan, we recommend having multiple doses on hand.

FAQs About Using Narcan

1. Can Narcan be used on children?

Yes, Narcan can be used on individuals of any age, including children, in the event of an opioid overdose.

2. Can Narcan harm someone if they are not experiencing an opioid overdose?

No, Narcan has no harmful effects if administered to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose. It is safe to use if you are unsure whether an overdose is opioid-related.

3. How long does Narcan take to work?

Narcan typically starts to work within 2 to 3 minutes. If there is no response, a second dose can be given after 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Do I need a prescription to get Narcan?

In many places, Narcan is available over-the-counter without a prescription. Check with local pharmacies or health departments for availability.

5. Can Narcan reverse overdoses from non-opioid substances?

No, Narcan is specifically designed to reverse opioid overdoses and will not be effective for overdoses caused by other substances, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, or stimulants.

6. What should I do if Narcan does not work?

If Narcan does not appear to work after two doses, continue to perform rescue breathing or CPR if trained, and wait for emergency medical services to arrive.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use Narcan can be the difference between life and death in the event of an opioid overdose. With its ease of use, even individuals without medical training can administer Narcan effectively. Remember, acting quickly and calling for emergency help are crucial steps when dealing with an overdose situation. By being prepared and informed, you can help combat the opioid crisis and potentially save a life.