Naloxone is used to save lives by reversing the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which means it reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine, methadone, Fentanyl and OxyContin.
In Victoria, Naloxone is largely administered by paramedics and doctors via injection when someone has overdosed on opioid drugs (heroin, methadone, OxyContin).
OTHER NAMES:
Narcan (brand name)
EFFECTS:
Naloxone reverses the effects of opiates such as heroin by replacing opioids on the brains receptors. In other words, in overdose situations it allows people to wake up and breath. It has no effect if no opiates are in a person’s system. It also has no effect on other drugs such as benzos, alcohol or ice..
If someone has overdosed on heroin or another opioid Naloxone will reverse the overdose – the person will wake up/become conscious again.
It comes in an easy to use nasal spray and you can also be administered by an injection into the muscle
It doesn’t have any effect if no opioids are in a person’s system, and it also has no effect on other drugs such as benzos, alcohol or ice.
It’s important to know that Naloxone is only active in the body for about 1-2 hours, which means there is still a risk of overdosing if a person uses again after waking or if the naloxone wears off.
DURATION
Naloxone is only active in the body for about 1-2 hours. Risk of overdose from opioids is still present after this time especially if a person uses again after waking.
SOME COMMON HARM REDUCTION STRATEGIES
Encourage a young person to: – • Follow directions from prescribing doctor – especially when commencing treatment • Avoid injecting, especially when diverted from oral administration • About understanding the risks involved in mixing other drugs and alcohol, including prescription medication. • Store safely, especially out of reach from children This is only a little bit of information, Harm Reduction Victoria are a great service to contact and they have more info about overdose symptoms and how to use naloxone here.
Needing more guidance or a secondary consult? Reach out to the YoDAA team for some more nuanced advice.
Get help now
YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Further Reading
Safe Injecting Safe injection is aimed on encouraging the one-time use of needles and syringes and limiting the sharing of medication vials.
HRV fact sheet Information sheet from Harm Reduction Victoria.
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Post excerpt: ut enim blandit volutpat maecenas volutpat blandit aliquam etiam erat velit scelerisque in dictum non consectetur a erat nam at lectus urna duis convallis convallis tellus id interdum…
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