Naloxone and Recognizing an Overdose

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication approved by the FDA to rapidly reverse opioid overdose (fda-moud). It works by knocking opioids off the brain's opioid receptors for 30 to 90 minutes, restoring normal breathing when a person is in the grips of an overdose (cdc-naloxone). It does not work on other drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine (cdc-preventing-opioid-overdose).

The CDC recommends that people who use opioids, their friends, and family members carry naloxone (cdc-naloxone). It is available as an over-the-counter nasal spray or as an injectable from most pharmacies (cdc-naloxone, fda-moud).

What Are the Signs of an Opioid Overdose?

Recognizing an overdose quickly can save a life. According to the CDC, signs include: the person does not wake up when you call their name or shake them; their breathing is slow, shallow, or has stopped; their lips and fingernails are blue or gray; they are making choking or snoring sounds; and their pupils are very small (like pinpoints) (cdc-preventing-opioid-overdose, cdc-fentanyl). A person having an overdose may also be limp and unresponsive (cdc-fentanyl).

Because illicit fentanyl can cause a sudden, rapid overdose, the CDC warns that it can happen much faster than with other opioids (cdc-fentanyl).

How Should You Respond to a Suspected Overdose?

The CDC and SAMHSA recommend the following: call 911 immediately—do not wait (cdc-naloxone, samhsa-treatment-options). If you have naloxone, administer it according to the instructions (typically one spray into one nostril or one injection) (cdc-naloxone). After giving naloxone, stay with the person and watch for them to start breathing again, but be prepared—the person may go into withdrawal once the naloxone wears off and waking up can be upsetting (cdc-naloxone, cdc-preventing-opioid-overdose).

If they do not respond within 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose (cdc-naloxone). Keep emergency services on the line until help arrives. Do not leave the person alone (cdc-preventing-opioid-overdose).

If someone is not breathing, start rescue breathing or chest compressions if you know how (cdc-preventing-opioid-overdose).

Where Can You Get Naloxone?

Naloxone is widely available without a prescription in most communities across the United States (cdc-naloxone, fda-moud). You can buy it at most pharmacies, including as an over-the-counter nasal spray (cdc-naloxone). Many community organizations, including syringe service programs, public health departments, and some methadone clinics, also provide free naloxone kits (cdc-preventing-opioid-overdose, samhsa-treatment-options).

The CDC encourages everyone who uses opioids—prescription or otherwise—as well as their friends and family to have naloxone on hand (cdc-naloxone). Your insurance may cover the cost. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist (fda-moud).