ABOUT NALOXONE AND OPIOID OVERDOSES

What is naloxone and how does it work?

Naloxone, the generic form of Narcan, is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. An opioid antagonist, it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids.

The lifesaving drug can restore normal breathing within two to three minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of an opioid overdose.

Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system.

Where can I get naloxone?

A doctor can prescribe naloxone, and pharmacists in Connecticut who have completed training can both prescribe and dispense naloxone.

State-funded Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations, specialized syringe programs and harm reduction programs can provide the medication as well as training.

To find naloxone in Connecticut, visit https://egov.ct.gov/norasaves/#/ find-naloxone.

What do I do if I think someone is overdosing?

1. Call 911 immediately.

2. Check for a response. If the person can respond, hold off on giving naloxone and watch them until help arrives. If anything changes, be ready with a dose of naloxone.

3. Don't leave the person alone and try to keep them awake. Check their mouth and throat to ensure there is nothing blocking their airway.

4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.

5. Check for a pulse by placing two fingers on the side of their neck. If you can't feel a pulse, start CPR. If they are still breathing but not responding, give naloxone.

6. Administer naloxone, if available.

7. If the person is not breathing, perform rescue breathing. Roll the person onto their back and place one hand on their chin, tilt their head back and pinch their nose closed. Seal your mouth over theirs and breathe in one breath every five seconds.

8. If the person does not respond two to three minutes after administering naloxone, give another dose. Multiple doses may be required in fentanyl overdoses.

How do I administer naloxone?

Naloxone can either be given as a nasal spray or injected.

Nasal spray:

1. Tilt the person's head back while supporting their neck with one hand.

2. Insert the naloxone device in one nostril with the other hand.

3. Administer the nasal spray by pushing the plunger with your thumb.

Injection (Intramuscular):

1. Pop the orange top off of the vial and insert the syringe.

2. Fill the syringe with 1cc of naloxone by pulling down on the plunger.

3. Insert the syringe into a large muscle in the upper thigh or upper arm, and push in the plunger.

What are the signs/symptoms of an opioid overdose?

• Slow, weak or no breathing • Slow or stopped heartbeat • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”

• Falling asleep or losing consciousness

• Vomiting, choking or making gurgling noises

• Foaming from the mouth and/or nose

• Extremely pale face, or clammy to the touch

• Limp body • Discolored lips or nails

Will I get in trouble for calling 911 about an overdose?

Connecticut law states a person cannot be arrested for possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia when calling 911 about an overdose. A person administering naloxone to someone who overdoses is also protected from civil liability and criminal prosecution.

Sources: Connecticut Department of Public Health Naloxone + Overdose Response App, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services