You may have heard that there are medications that can help someone recover from an opioid overdose. One of these medications is Naloxone. Naloxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can help those who have overdosed from heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It can be administered through an intranasal spray, and injections in the muscle, skin, and veins.
Medical professionals and private individuals can have access to the drug. In emergency situations, such as an overdose, Naloxone can be the difference between life and death for a person struggling with addiction.
Who Are The Best Candidates To Take Naloxone?
Those who are at high risk for overdose or if one is in an active medication-assisted treatment MAT program can be prescribed naloxone. If any of the following are true, then naloxone is a viable option:
- History of long-term use of very high doses of opioids to help with the symptoms of pain.
- Are taking opioid medication.
- Have been released from the emergency room after poisoning or intoxication.
- Taking extended-release opioid medications.
- Enrolled in a detox program or abstinence program.
Even pregnant women can qualify to use naloxone with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Individuals can be taught by a medical professional on how to administer the drug, and it is recommended that the drug is in one’s possession at all times.
While naloxone works for reversing opioid overdose, it isn’t effective for every drug overdose. Benzodiazepines and stimulants such as cocaine won’t respond well to naloxone treatment.
What Are The Side Effects Of Naloxone?
Not everyone will benefit from naloxone. Some people can be allergic to the treatment and may see swelling in their faces, lips, and throat. This is a dangerous side effect and should be treated by a medical professional immediately if these signs are present. Those taking naloxone may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Body aches and pains
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Fever and chills
- Nasal issues such as sneezing and runny nose
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have developed an overdose toolkit. This resource provides information for communities and governments to find better and improved ways to reduce and prevent opioid overdoses and deaths.
If you are struggling with an addiction to opioids, the best way to prevent overdose is to not overdose in the first place. Overdosing on any drug puts your life at great risk. Enrolling in treatment will provide you with the support, tools, education, and resources to help you safely detox and learn how to stay sober. The medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center at Discovery Place in Tennessee is a respite from your addiction and a calming place to heal. Discovery Place’s Tennessee addiction alternative treatment center has a tremendous in-patient program that will hold your hand through every step of the recovery process.
Call our Tennessee detox alternative treatment center anytime at 1-800-725-0922 to speak with one of our compassionate and informative staff members. We know where you are coming from because many of our staff have been in your shoes and have had success with recovery at Discovery Place.
