Identifying and Responding to an Overdose

Naloxone/Narcan saves lives.

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone.?Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone can be given via intranasal spray, intramuscular injection, or auto-injection.?

Narcan nasal spray is available on campus.

Narcan can quickly reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2-3 minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Even when using Narcan, 911 should be called immediately.

Learn more about how naloxone works here.

Step 1:? Check for any signs of opioid overdose (see "What are the signs of overdose?" above).

Step 2:? Call 911 immediately.

Step 3:? Administer Narcan as quickly as possible following instructions. If the person does not respond within 2-3 minutes, give a second Narcan dose. It will not cause harm if someone is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Find instructions for administering Narcan under "How Do I Use Narcan/Naloxone?" below.

Step 4: Do rescue breathing and/or chest compression, following 911 dispatcher instructions.

Step 5:? When the person's breathing returns, roll them onto their side with their top leg bent to support the position.

Step 6:? Stay with the person until help arrives.

The following video from the CDC can teach you how to use Narcan/naloxone. Familiarize yourself ahead of time so you know how to use it in the event of an emergency.

Yes, there are several precautions to be aware of when administering Narcan.

• One dose of Narcan may not be enough to reverse an overdose.? If normal breathing is not restored in 2-3 minutes, administer an additional dose.
• Narcan works to reverse opioid overdose in the body for 30-90 minutes.? Since many opioids remain in the body longer than this, it is possible for a person to still experience the effects of an overdose after a dose of Narcan wears off.
• Individuals who are given Narcan should be constantly observed and rescue breaths should be given, if needed, until emergency care arrives.
• Individuals who have a physical dependence on opioids may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, sweating nausea, vomiting, and shaking within minutes of receiving Narcan. While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, the most important action is to prevent overdose.
• Narcan only reverses opioid overdose¡ªnot other drug overdoses. Because alcohol and other drugs are often use in conjunction with opioids, Narcan should still be given.

These precautions reinforce the need to call for emergency medical care immediately upon identifying the possibility of an overdose.

If you or someone you know has an opioid prescription or is struggling with opioid use, you should carry Narcan, keep it in your place of residence, and let people know where it is. Note that Narcan is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.?

Anyone using illicit drugs may also consider having Narcan on hand. There has been an increase in instances of substances being laced with opioids, which can lead to drug users unknowingly ingesting opioids and experiencing an overdose. LEARN MORE

In 2023, there were 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States.

With the right tools, bystanders can take action to prevent an overdose death.? Anyone can obtain Narcan.? You do not need a prescription nor medical training to obtain, carry, or use Narcan.

Narcan won¡¯t harm someone if they are overdosing on another drug other than an opioid. So, if you think someone is overdosing, use it.

Accessing Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)