The purpose:
Opioids are present in most drug overdoses. Opioids cause death by inducing fatal respiratory depression which can easily be reversed by administering naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist (blocker) which rapidly counteracts the effects of opioids and has saved countless lives. If given soon enough, naloxone can counter the overdose effects, usually within minutes. However, the medication only pauses the effects of opioids, and emergency medical help is still required.
Naloxone is not a controlled substance and cannot be misused.
Naloxone is a medication that can be administered to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Please note that naloxone will not provide medical rescue help to someone passed out or overdosing from a non-opioid substance, such as alcohol or Xanax. If naloxone is administered to an individual who is unresponsive and it is not due to an opioid overdose, it will not harm them. If a person shows signs of an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and begin administering naloxone.
Naloxone temporary blocks the effects of opioids. This can include:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Codeine
Signs of an opioid overdose:
- The person may be breathing very slow or not breathing at all.
- Have blue or purplish lips or fingernails.
- Their body may be limp.
- Vomiting or gurgling.
- They could be unresponsive.
Naloxone has been strategically placed throughout the campus community. Staff members who have received training will have access to Naloxone and can administer it when an emergency is presented.