Opioid Overdose Antidote Narcan - An FDA-Approved OTC Version
Addiction to painkillers such as opioids is common. This addiction can lead to an overdose, which can then lead to death. The opioid overdose antidote Narcan can help. Another good news is that it’s now officially available over-the-counter - the go signal coming from the FDA.
In his 2021 article about pain relief medication, published by online drug index RxList, Massachusetts-based registered pharmacist Jim Morelli wrote:
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Opioids more powerful than morphine include hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and oxymorphone (Opana).- Jim Morelli
Morelli, who is also a news reporter at WFXT Boston 25 News and a CNN reporter as well, added:
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But the strongest opioid in community use is fentanyl which, in its intravenous form, is 70 to 100 times more potent than morphine.- Jim Morelli
Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, called opioid receptors.
When these drugs bind to the receptors, they reduce the perception of pain and can create a feeling of euphoria or pleasure.
In general, opioids are highly potent and can also be highly addictive and dangerous if not used properly. Good thing there’s now the opioid overdose antidote Narcan.
They should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.
Hands of a male adult about to grab a pile of assorted medicines, some in capsules; others in tablet forms
Note that while the treatments mentioned here such as the opioid overdose antidote Narcan can be effective, prevention is the best approach to opioid overdose.
Opioid overdose prevention can be achieved through several approaches. Here are some ways:
a. Education
Inform individuals about:
the dangers of opioids
their addictive nature
the signs and symptoms of overdose
This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions.
b. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)
PDMPs are state-run databases that track prescription opioids.
c. Harm Reduction Strategies
They aim to reduce the harm associated with drug use, including opioid use. These strategies include:
providing clean needles to individuals who inject drugs
offering safe injection sites where individuals can use drugs under medical supervision
d. Treatment and Support
There should be easy access to services such as MAT, behavioral therapies, and support groups, which can help individuals overcome opioid addiction and reduce the risk of overdose.
How and when to use the opioid overdose antidote Narcan
An opioid antagonist is a type of medication that blocks the effects of opioids in the brain.
It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, but instead of activating them, they block them.
By blocking them, opioid antagonists:
prevent the opioids from producing their characteristic effects (e.g., pain relief, sedation, and euphoria)
reverse the potentially life-threatening effects of an overdose
The opioid overdose antidote Narcan (naloxone) is an opioid antagonist. It can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
On April 3, reported the Associated Press, the FDA permitted the OTC sale of Narcan, making it the first of its kind to be sold without a prescription requirement.
Narcan is available in several forms, including:
auto-injector devices
injectable
nasal spray
Emergent BioSolutions (est. 1998), an American biotech company in Gaithersburg, Maryland, manufactures the FDA-approved Narcan nasal spray.
The opioid overdose antidote Narcan, however, is not a substitute for medical care.
Anyone who has been given Narcan should still seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible, as the effects of the opioids can last longer than the effects of Narcan, and another dose may be needed.
Additionally, Narcan does not treat addiction or prevent future overdoses.
Some of the most common side effects of the opioid overdose antidote Narcan include:
1. Allergic reactions
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to Narcan, which can cause symptoms such as:
hives
itching
difficulty breathing
2. Rapid heartbeat
Narcan can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with underlying heart conditions.
3. Respiratory problems
In rare cases, Narcan can cause difficulty breathing or respiratory distress, particularly in individuals who have pre-existing respiratory issues (e.g., asthma and pneumonia).
4. Withdrawal symptoms
Narcan can cause the sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are physically dependent on opioids, including:
agitation
nausea
vomiting
sweating
restlessness
5. Seizures
Narcan can trigger seizures in individuals who are susceptible to them.
A two-pack box of Narcan nasal spray, with its white and red nasal spray inside a packet
Opioids are not typically used as a first-line treatment for mental health conditions.
Still, they may be used in some cases to manage symptoms associated with certain mental health disorders.
For example, opioids may be used to treat severe or treatment-resistant cases of depression or anxiety, but only when other treatments have failed or are not appropriate.
Opioids can also be used as part of a MAT program for individuals struggling with opioid addiction or substance use disorders, which can co-occur with certain mental health conditions.
No, paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is not an opioid.
It is a common OTC pain reliever and fever reducer that works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Even though the opioid overdose antidote Narcan is now available over-the-counter, people should still look for ways to manage their pain without relying on drugs.
Pain management is not just about finding the strongest painkiller available, but also involves finding the right treatment plan that:
addresses the underlying cause of the pain
minimizes side effects
improves overall quality of life
Also, the potential risks of Narcan are generally outweighed by the potential benefits of reversing an opioid overdose.
With that said, when you want to try the opioid overdose antidote Narcan, use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional.