Health & Fitness
5 Facts About Naloxone
Here's how the opioid antagonist can help halt an overdose and save lives.
While opioids continue to ravage our communities, naloxone has proven effective in reversing an overdose. The antidote — an opioid antagonist without side effects — has saved countless lives. To help spread awareness and better understand naloxone, here are five things that you should know.
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1. How naloxone works:
Naloxone blocks the effects of all opioids, immediately halting an overdose. It works by knocking the opioid off of the receptors in the brain. Most opioid overdoses are witnessed, and seven out of 10 happen in the home. This provides an important opportunity for someone to take lifesaving action if they know how to respond.
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2. It is safe.
Many are concerned about administering naloxone because they are unsure what substance someone may have ingested. Naloxone has virtually no side effects. While someone who is opiate dependent may go into withdrawal when it is administered, naloxone has no effect on someone unless they have taken an opiate. It also will not help if someone has overdosed on a substance other than opioids. A second dose might be necessary to revive someone who has ingested too many opioids. It is critical to notify patients that taking more opioids after naloxone can lead to another overdose, even death.
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3. Naloxone is readily available.
Rescue kits can be obtained at many locations throughout New York State. Northwell offers the Nal-Sat program at various hospitals. Training and kits are also available via the Zucker Hillside Hospital substance abuse programs and other community providers. In addition, anyone with health insurance can obtain naloxone through a standing order at one of more than 2,000 pharmacies across New York.
4. It is easy to administer.
The naloxone dose is now available in a nasal mist (Narcan). The tip of the mister is inserted into the nostril and the plunger is pressed. The entire dose is then expelled. Naloxone will typically work within two to three minutes and will stay in a person’s system for 30 to 90 minutes. The sooner it is administered, the more effective it is.
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5. Naloxone does not increase substance abuse.
It is a myth that having access to naloxone increases substance use and it only perpetuates the stigma about addiction. Addiction is a disease just like diabetes or heart disease. Epi-pens, for example, are not withheld out of fear someone will eat more peanuts. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication. The more people who have it, the more lives we can save.
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Written by Heather Hugelmeyer, LCSW. Hugelmeyer is program director at the Garden City Treatment Center. She has more than 20 years of experience treating individuals and families who suffer from substance abuse. Ms. Hugelmeyer is a member of the Northwell Opioid Management Steering Committee School and Community Outreach Workgroup and has lectured and trained on substance abuse within Northwell and in the community.
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