What is Naloxone/Narcan?

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can stop someone from overdosing on fentanyl or other opioids like OxyContin or heroin. Narcan® is a form of naloxone that comes in a nasal spray and is very easy to give to someone you think has overdosed.

How do I recognize if someone has overdosed on opioids?

Overdoses caused by fentanyl or other opioids can happen very quickly.

Look for these signs:

  • Slurred speech or unable to talk
  • Very small pupils (the center part of the eye)
  • Color changes in skin, lips, and fingernails: pale, gray, blue, or purple
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • Breathing slows or stops, low or no pulse
  • Hard to wake up or losing consciousness

Because many drugs are laced with fentanyl, someone may overdose on fentanyl even if they aren’t known to use it.

What do I do if I think someone has overdosed on fentanyl or another opioid?

  • Talk to the person and see if you can get them to respond to you
  • Call 911
  • Give the person Narcan or another form of naloxone
  • Keep the person awake and breathing
  • Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
  • Be kind, reassuring, and non-judgmental toward the person
  • Stay with the person until help comes

What are the benefits of naloxone/Narcan?

Naloxone can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose.

What are the risks of naloxone or Narcan?

Firstly, the risk of NOT using naloxone or Narcan is death. Therefore, the benefits of giving naloxone to someone who may be overdosing on opioids always outweigh the risks. People receiving naloxone may go into opioid withdrawal, which might include headaches, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. This can be very scary for the person experiencing it, and they may need support and reassurance.

What do I do if I have received naloxone after experiencing an overdose?

  • Seek medical attention. Naloxone can wear off before opioids leave your system, putting your life at risk.
  • Once the crisis is over, let your primary care provider and mental health providers know that you had a recent opioid overdose.
  • Consider seeking treatment for substance use. You are worth it.

How can I find substance use treatment for myself or someone I care about?

Different types of support are available for people who are trying to stop using substances and can include talk therapy, medications, and residential and withdrawal management services. Here are a few resources to learn more or get immediate assistance:

Colorado Mental Health Line can give confidential support, information, and referrals for substance abuse 24 hours per day. To contact them:

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery

  • If you already receive services from Aurora Mental Health & Recovery, let your provider know you are interested in substance use treatment and they can refer you accordingly.
  • Call (303) 617-2300 and ask about services for substance use treatment.
  • Visit our Crisis Walk-In Clinic at Potomac Pavilion, 1290 S. Potomac St., Aurora, CO 80012, any time of day to talk with a crisis counselor who can provide information, support, and referrals.
  • Visit our Connect to Care program at Potomac Pavilion, 1290 S. Potomac St., Aurora, CO 80012, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service available in English and Spanish. This service can give you information on local treatment options, support groups, and community-based groups.

What else can I do to prevent an opioid overdose?

  • Store prescribed opioids and substances where no one else can access them, especially children. Make sure all bottles are labeled with the medication name. If you are prescribed or use opioids, make sure the supportive people in your life have naloxone and know how to use it.
  • If you use any street or recreational drugs:
    • Never use alone - if something goes wrong, you will need someone to help you and call for help. Go to https://neverusealone.com/ for more information.
    • Keep naloxone with you and know how to use it. Teach the people in your life how to use naloxone and where you keep it.
    • Be aware that any street drug can be laced with fentanyl. Any time you get a new supply of any drug, test for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips.
    • If you have not used in a while, you may be more sensitive to a drug’s effects than before. This can happen in as few as three days. Reduce risk by starting using a very small dose to test your response.
    • Seek treatment. When you are ready, there are many ways to help you cut down and quit. It can be hard to do alone, but with the support of others, you can be successful. You are worth it.

How can I get more naloxone/Narcan?

  • Talk with an Aurora Mental Health & Recovery staff member.
  • Ask your pharmacist about whether they can provide naloxone/Narcan to  you without a prescription. If you do not have Medicaid, you may have a co-pay. Find participating pharmacies at  https://www.stoptheclockcolorado.org/map/
  • Ask your medical provider if they can prescribe naloxone/Narcan for you. You do not need a prescription for Narcan, but many times your insurance will pay for it if you do get a prescription. Ask your medical provider or pharmacist about this.

Questions?

Please talk with your behavioral health or medical provider.

Resources