What is Narcan?
Narcan, a trade name for naloxone, an opiate antidote that reverses the effects of narcotic drugs and medications such as heroin, codeine, morphine, methadone or Vicodin.
Administered through a nasal spray (and in some cases, injected into a muscle), the medication blocks the effects of the opioids that were ingested by knocking the drug off the brain receptor it landed on. It literally reverses an overdose. Its effect can last from 30 to 90 minutes. “Emergency services will arrive way before that,” said Hymowitz.
“The effect can be instantaneous,” he added. “So you need to get out of the way — that person is going to be in pain when they wake up.” Some, he said, are up and walking around right afterward, but he advises that they get to an emergency room. “Who knows what else they took,” he said.
How to tell if a person is overdosing
When a person is overdosing on an opioid, his breathing and heart rate can slow down or even stop, and it can be very hard to wake him. He may be turning blue, Hymowitz said, because oxygen is not getting to the brain. Someone who is just high on drugs can usually be aroused, or will respond when you call his name or shake him. He usually snore or breathe loudly.
“If you’re not sure what they took,” Hymowitz said, “it’s better safe than sorry … [the Narcan] can’t harm them or get them high.” He also demonstrated rescue breathing, and items for this purpose are also included in the kit.
Dying from an overdose can take one to three hours, but it’s important to administer the antidote as soon as possible because a lack of oxygen in the brain can cause brain damage.
You can save a life
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 10,000 lives have been saved with Narcan since 2006.
The next county-sponsored seminar is scheduled for March 18 at the Manhasset Public Library, at 30 Onderdonk Ave. No prior medical experience is necessary to participate in the training. All trainees will receive certificates of completion.
Anyone can attend, but seating is limited. Residents must pre-register either by emailing elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov or by calling (516) 571-6105.
