The medicine Narcan, commonly referred to as naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, is sold over-the-counter (OTC). It is a life-saving drug that reverses an opioid overdose. It is the first naloxone product authorized for nonprescription usage. Naloxone functions nearly instantly to reverse the effects of fentanyl and is safe and simple to use.
Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid, continues to cause drug overdose deaths. It is a serious public health concern in the United States. More American deaths under 50 are attributed to fentanyl than to any other cause, including heart disease, cancer, suicide, homicide, and other mishaps. Synthetic opioids, like illegal fentanyl, have 50–100 times the potency of morphine. Due to its high potency, even a small amount of fentanyl, as little as two milligrams, an equivalent strength to about 30 milligrams of heroin, can lead to overdose or death.
While fentanyl is available in powder and pill forms, pills have become the choice for teenagers. When an opioid overdose happens, the drug will cause depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems in the affected individual. Their breath will become slow or stop. These effects are offset and the overdose is reversed by the medicine naloxone (NarcanTM). It is safe if taken accidentally. Since there are no opioids in their system to reverse the effects, it won't work on someone who hasn't taken any opioids. Nonprofit organizations such as A New Path and End Overdose provide free access to naloxone.
