Does Narcan Work on Fentanyl: Learning More About This Life-Saving Medication

Do you have a loved one who has taken fentanyl?

Perhaps you have wondered what you should do if your loved one experiences an overdose. You’ve heard the news stories about how Narcan (naloxone) can reduce an opioid overdose, but you aren’t sure if it will work for fentanyl.

From 2020 to 2022, the number of people who died from fentanyl-related overdoses in Oregon tripled. You might wonder how you can prevent your loved one from this experience. Serenity Lane has seen how fentanyl impacts lives. Today, we are going to answer the question, “Does Narcan work on fentanyl?”

How Does Narcan Work With Opioids?

Narcan, or naloxone, is an opioid antagonist medication that reverses the effects of an overdose, allowing emergency responders and medical teams time to intervene. However, it will only work if the person is experiencing an overdose due to the consumption of opioids. It will not work if someone is experiencing an overdose of another substance, such as benzodiazepines or cocaine.

Narcan binds to opioid receptors, blocking the effects caused by various opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and fentanyl. However, this reversal only works for 30 to 90 minutes. After it wears off, they may continue to experience the effects of an overdose.

This is why calling for medical help is so important, even if Narcan has been administered. Once someone is in the emergency room, the medical staff there has the proper training and tools to provide them with an effective opioid overdose reversal.

Does Narcan Work on Fentanyl?

The short answer is yes, Narcan will work for a fentanyl overdose as fentanyl is an opioid. If you or someone you know has been taking this substance or any opioid, it is essential to have Narcan on hand in the event an overdose takes place.

Naloxone can still be administered if someone you know has taken fentanyl alongside a non-opioid substance. While it won't reverse the effects of the non-opioid, you will still be increasing their chances of surviving the overdose.

How Do You Use Narcan for Fentanyl Overdose?

In the event someone has experienced a fentanyl overdose, remain calm, check for responsiveness, and call 911 first before you administer naloxone. How you use Narcan depends on the type you have available.

If you have the syringe nasal (nose) spray:

1. Pull off the top and bottom covers on the syringe
2. Take the cap off the naloxone capsule
3. Hold the clear plastic wings and twist the cartridge into the syringe barrel
4. Insert the white cone into the nostril and give a short push on the end of the naloxone cartridge to spray into the nose. Use half the cartridge for each nostril

If you have the Narcan Nasal Spray:

1. Peel back the package to take out the device
2. Hold the nozzle between two index and middle fingers
3. Position the nozzle in a nostril until your fingers reach the person's nose
4. Release the dose by pressing the plunger with your thumb

If you have the syringe muscle injection (intramuscular) version:

1. Remove the cap of the vial
2. Draw up 1 milliliter into a syringe
3. Clean the area of the skin with an alcohol wipe
4. Insert syringe into muscle in the upper arm or thigh
5. At a 90-degree angle, inject naloxone by pressing the plunger

If you have an injectable device:

1. Remove the product from the outer case
2. Pull off the red safety guard
3. Place the black end against the middle of the thigh, through the clothing
4. Press down firmly and hold for 5 seconds

For all methods, if the person is not responding or has responded only a tiny amount, administer a second dose. If you have a device other than the ones listed above, your pharmacist or doctor can direct you on how to use it.

Remember, help is on its way. Do not leave the person before help arrives. Instead, stay with them and observe them for any changes, and make sure to report them to the medical technicians.

In Oregon, the Good Samaritan Law legally protects both you and the person you are trying to help if you call 911 or seek medical care for someone experiencing an overdose. If you have fentanyl or another substance in your possession, you will not receive charges related to this. Under this law, you are also allowed to administer Narcan to reverse an opioid overdose.

The Warning Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose

You might find yourself wondering how to know if you or someone you know is experiencing a fentanyl overdose. Since a fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency, it is crucial to know what signs to look for if you know someone who takes the substance. Having Narcan in an easily accessible place when someone is experiencing any signs of an overdose can save their life. These places, for example, could be with a first aid kit, a bag you keep with you, or the bathroom.

Below are a few common signs of a fentanyl overdose:

• Clammy skin
• Unable to wake up
• Slow breathing
• Blue lips and fingernails
• Vomiting
• Slow heartbeat

How Can You Get Narcan in Oregon?

In Oregon, you can request naloxone from any pharmacist or doctor if you are at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose (i.e. if you are regularly using fentanyl). You are also able to get a prescription if someone you know is taking fentanyl. This medication can ensure you or someone you know is safe in an emergency.

Getting Help for Fentanyl Use Disorder in Oregon

If you are concerned that you or someone you know will experience a fentanyl overdose and wonder how you can prevent one from occurring, treatment for a fentanyl use disorder is the best way to accomplish this. However, there are many fentanyl treatment programs out there, and it can feel overwhelming. How can you know which one is the best fit for you?

Finding one that offers a personalized approach is essential, as each person faces unique challenges. No treatment program should be one-size-fits-all, and the path to recovery will vary depending on the circumstances. Some people require consistent support, and a detox or residential program best suits their needs. In contrast, someone else may have work responsibilities and benefit more from outpatient care. Understanding your goals and desires regarding your recovery can ensure you receive the best treatment.

As one of the oldest non-profit programs in Oregon, Serenity Lane has years of experience helping people find the path to recovery that leads to long-term success. If you are ready to take that first step today, call us at 800-543-9905.

Find serenity in long-term recovery.