This is an excerpt from SAMHSA's Opioid Prevention Toolkit,
*I underlined and did bold on pertinent info. After the SAMHSA paragraphs I summarize it all...
" Opioid overdose-related deaths can be prevented when naloxone is administered in a timely manner. As a narcotic antagonist, naloxone displaces opiates from receptor sites in the brain and reverses respiratory depression that usually is the cause of overdose deaths.7 On the other hand, naloxone is not effective in treating overdoses of benzodiazepines (such as Valium®, Xanax®, or Klonopin®), barbiturates (Seconal® or Fiorinal®), clonidine, Elavil®, GHB, ketamine, or synthetics. It is also not effective in overdoses with stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines (including methamphetamine and Ecstasy). However, if opioids are taken in combination with other sedatives or stimulants, naloxone may be helpful. Naloxone injection has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used for more than 40 years by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to reverse opioid overdose and resuscitate persons who otherwise might have died in the absence of treatment.8
FACTS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Naloxone does not have the potential for abuse. It reverses the effects of opioid overdose.9 Injectable naloxone is relatively inexpensive. It typically is supplied as a kit with two syringes10 These kits require training on how to administer naloxone using a syringe. The FDA has also approved an intranasal naloxone product, called Narcan® Nasal Spray, and a naloxone auto-injector, called Evzio®. The intranasal spray is a pre-filled, needle-free device that requires no assembly. The auto-injector can deliver a dose of naloxone through clothing, if necessary, when placed on the outer thigh. Prior to 2012, just six states had any laws that expanded access to naloxone or limited criminal liability.11 Today, 42 states and the District of Columbia have statutes that provide criminal liability protections to laypersons or first responders who administer naloxone. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have statutes that provide civil liability protections to laypersons or first responders who administer naloxone. Thirty-eight states have statutes that offer criminal liability protections for prescribing or distributing naloxone. Thirty-three states have statutes that offer civil liability protections for prescribing or distributing naloxone. And 42 states have statutes that allow naloxone distribution to third parties or first responders via direct prescription or standing order.
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Opioid-Overdose-Prevention-Toolkit/SMA16-4742
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**What it means: Naloxone is a medication that is prescribed by a doctor. This medication has been used for many years in hospitals when needed for patients post surgery if having an unfavorable reaction to anesthesia and pain medication. These medications slow down breathing. If your breathing is not providing enough oxygen to your brain and your heart, your brain will be damaged and your heart will stop. Naloxone is a special medication that can instantly reverse this situation! Miracle med!! Before the opioid crisis, this medication was given IV in hospitals. Now, you can get a prescription for naloxone that can be given by spraying in one nostril (close the other one) or by injection *thru the clothes* eliminating precious time unclothing the person (it will even tell you what to do). 42 states allow "third parties" (such as clinics) to give out naloxone by a "standing order", which means you don't need to personally see a doctor to get it. Just show up at the appropriate clinic and ask for it. No questions. 39 states have a law in effect that protects whoever calls 911...no arrests, no searches, if you call 911 to save a life. So please, call 911 for anyone in need. Don't drop someone off at an Emergency Room! Parents, friends, get a prescription for naloxone and carry it with you. No incrimination when asking for a prescription. You CANNOT harm someone if you give it and they don't need it. It just won't do anything. No side effects. But, if they need it...you saved a life and there is no better feeling than making a difference! One thing to remember, once given during an overdose, the person might need a second dose after a 30-60 seconds if no response. Why? It is because of the super duped drugs out there....carfentanil......making the drugs more potent and deadly. That is why naloxone always comes in packages of 2. Like I said, it can't hurt and if needed will save a life. After receiving naloxone the person will start breathing and then will be in withdrawals. So, give the spray or injection then call 911 right away! Don't wait to see how it works. They will need intervention for their drug use and this is the perfect opportunity. Plus they need a medical evaluation to ensure they do not need any other medical care.
*I underlined and did bold on pertinent info. After the SAMHSA paragraphs I summarize it all...
" Opioid overdose-related deaths can be prevented when naloxone is administered in a timely manner. As a narcotic antagonist, naloxone displaces opiates from receptor sites in the brain and reverses respiratory depression that usually is the cause of overdose deaths.7 On the other hand, naloxone is not effective in treating overdoses of benzodiazepines (such as Valium®, Xanax®, or Klonopin®), barbiturates (Seconal® or Fiorinal®), clonidine, Elavil®, GHB, ketamine, or synthetics. It is also not effective in overdoses with stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines (including methamphetamine and Ecstasy). However, if opioids are taken in combination with other sedatives or stimulants, naloxone may be helpful. Naloxone injection has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used for more than 40 years by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to reverse opioid overdose and resuscitate persons who otherwise might have died in the absence of treatment.8
FACTS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Naloxone does not have the potential for abuse. It reverses the effects of opioid overdose.9 Injectable naloxone is relatively inexpensive. It typically is supplied as a kit with two syringes10 These kits require training on how to administer naloxone using a syringe. The FDA has also approved an intranasal naloxone product, called Narcan® Nasal Spray, and a naloxone auto-injector, called Evzio®. The intranasal spray is a pre-filled, needle-free device that requires no assembly. The auto-injector can deliver a dose of naloxone through clothing, if necessary, when placed on the outer thigh. Prior to 2012, just six states had any laws that expanded access to naloxone or limited criminal liability.11 Today, 42 states and the District of Columbia have statutes that provide criminal liability protections to laypersons or first responders who administer naloxone. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have statutes that provide civil liability protections to laypersons or first responders who administer naloxone. Thirty-eight states have statutes that offer criminal liability protections for prescribing or distributing naloxone. Thirty-three states have statutes that offer civil liability protections for prescribing or distributing naloxone. And 42 states have statutes that allow naloxone distribution to third parties or first responders via direct prescription or standing order.
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Opioid-Overdose-Prevention-Toolkit/SMA16-4742
**What it means: Naloxone is a medication that is prescribed by a doctor. This medication has been used for many years in hospitals when needed for patients post surgery if having an unfavorable reaction to anesthesia and pain medication. These medications slow down breathing. If your breathing is not providing enough oxygen to your brain and your heart, your brain will be damaged and your heart will stop. Naloxone is a special medication that can instantly reverse this situation! Miracle med!! Before the opioid crisis, this medication was given IV in hospitals. Now, you can get a prescription for naloxone that can be given by spraying in one nostril (close the other one) or by injection *thru the clothes* eliminating precious time unclothing the person (it will even tell you what to do). 42 states allow "third parties" (such as clinics) to give out naloxone by a "standing order", which means you don't need to personally see a doctor to get it. Just show up at the appropriate clinic and ask for it. No questions. 39 states have a law in effect that protects whoever calls 911...no arrests, no searches, if you call 911 to save a life. So please, call 911 for anyone in need. Don't drop someone off at an Emergency Room! Parents, friends, get a prescription for naloxone and carry it with you. No incrimination when asking for a prescription. You CANNOT harm someone if you give it and they don't need it. It just won't do anything. No side effects. But, if they need it...you saved a life and there is no better feeling than making a difference! One thing to remember, once given during an overdose, the person might need a second dose after a 30-60 seconds if no response. Why? It is because of the super duped drugs out there....carfentanil......making the drugs more potent and deadly. That is why naloxone always comes in packages of 2. Like I said, it can't hurt and if needed will save a life. After receiving naloxone the person will start breathing and then will be in withdrawals. So, give the spray or injection then call 911 right away! Don't wait to see how it works. They will need intervention for their drug use and this is the perfect opportunity. Plus they need a medical evaluation to ensure they do not need any other medical care.
