Narcan is a common brand name for the opioid overdose reversal medication “naloxone.” While Narcan is an effective and life-saving medication for reversing an opiate overdose, individuals may be taking advantage of its effectiveness and increasing reckless opioid drug abuse.
What is Narcan (Naloxone)?
Narcan, also known under its generic name “naloxone,” is a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication. Naloxone works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors and quickly reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Different naloxone products can be administered through injection or nasal spray, but Narcan specifically is a nasal spray. Healthcare providers or first responders often administer Narcan in the event of an opiate overdose.
Short-Term Side Effects of Naloxone
While Narcan nasal spray is an immediate and effective treatment for individuals experiencing an opioid overdose, it can have side effects. The rapid reversal of opioid overdose symptoms often masks the side effects of Narcan. Naloxone’s potential side effects include:
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
- Unconsciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Muscle aches and pains
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose is critical for administering life-saving Narcan. Opioid overdose symptoms can include small, pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, slowed breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
After administering naloxone for an opioid overdose, withdrawal symptoms may occur. The side effects of Narcan may be unpleasant, especially for individuals dependent on opioids or with an opioid use disorder (OUD). For those who struggle with opioid abuse or dependency, the side effects and symptoms of naloxone can be more unpleasant.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms often include sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, chills, anxiety, and depression. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe depending on the individual’s health status and drug abuse habits.
The Long-Term Effects and Consequences of Narcan
The short-term effects of Narcan for those with an opioid use disorder (OUD) may precipitate mild to severe withdrawal symptoms and side effects. While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they are manageable and temporary. The long-term effects and consequences of Narcan are not attributed to its physiological side effects.
Naloxone medication is ultimately safe and effective in reversing an opioid overdose. However, many individuals may take advantage of its effectiveness. The Narcan controversy stems from its effectiveness in treating opioid overdoses, heightening the risk of opioid abuse and repeated overdoses.
Increased Opioid Overdose Survival Rates
Narcan is an opioid antagonist, triggering the reversal of an opioid overdose when administered. The availability of Narcan has assisted in saving many lives from opioid overdose deaths, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid painkillers. Individuals struggling with illicit drug abuse or prescription drug abuse, such as heroin or morphine, are at a severe risk of opioid overdose.
Illicit fentanyl and heroin are the main drivers of drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths in the United States. Naloxone (Narcan) has undoubtedly increased opioid overdose survival rates due to its life-saving effects.
The effectiveness of Narcan has provided many individuals the opportunity to seek treatment for opioid abuse and addiction. Naloxone’s benefits can be attributed to the second chance individuals are offered in life, helping to break the cycle of opioid addiction and abuse.
Risk of Repeated Opioid Abuse and Drug Overdoses
Narcan’s benefits, however, can also be associated with its consequences and public health concerns. The controversy over Narcan is its availability and effectiveness may lead to a false sense of security surrounding opioid abuse and overdose.
If too many individuals rely on Narcan to reverse an opioid overdose, this may encourage riskier drug use and abuse. Using naloxone as a safety net for the misuse of opioid drugs may result in increased opioid overdoses and more concerning health issues in the long term.
Societal and Economic Implications
Naloxone is a core component to addressing the public health crisis that is the opioid epidemic. Narcan, the naloxone nasal spray, was FDA-approved in 2015 as a prescription drug. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first naloxone product, Narcan, for over-the-counter (OTC) use without a prescription. The increased distribution and availability of Narcan may have financial and societal implications.
While the administration of Narcan nasal spray reduces immediate healthcare costs by preventing drug overdose deaths, the widespread distribution may become an economic burden in the long term. Recurrent emergency responses to opioid overdoses, increased non-prescription use of Narcan, and the need for opioid detox treatment can heighten the demand for naloxone products.
Addressing the Narcan (Naloxone) Controversy
The widespread accessibility of Narcan, while it is an effective and life-saving medication, may increase substance abuse. Individuals who engage in illicit opioid abuse or prescription opioid misuse may rely on Narcan as a safety net, increasing their substance abuse. Alongside the distribution of Narcan, the need for substance abuse education and comprehensive addiction treatment and detox programs has never been more apparent.
Opioid overdose education and prevention can educate the public on the risks of opioid misuse, the causes of addiction, and opioid overdose signs, symptoms, and treatment. Public health strategies for opioid addiction and opioid overdose should educate on the distribution and effective use of Narcan.
Combining the use of Narcan nasal spray and other life-saving naloxone products with broader public health and safety efforts can help combat the opioid crisis in the United States. Continuing education and prevention surrounding opioid use disorders (OUD) and opioid overdose risks can help communities better address and manage drug emergencies, treatment, and recovery.
Opiate Detox and Opioid Drug Rehab in Stuart, FL
Narcan nasal spray, much like other naloxone products, remains a crucial and effective tool in the dispute against the opioid crisis. Following the use of Narcan to reverse an opiate overdose, addressing drug misuse and abuse is vital for individuals and communities as a whole. If you’re struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) or opiate addiction or have experienced an opioid overdose, drug detox and rehab treatment can help you.
At Coastal Detox, our opioid detox programs in Stuart, FL, offer comprehensive addiction treatment for opioid addiction and opioid use disorders. Our South Florida drug detox facility treats all aspects of addiction, ensuring our patient’s holistic health in long-term recovery.
If you need drug detox, don’t wait any longer, and reach out to Coastal today!
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022. Naloxone DrugFacts.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2024. Substance Use: Opioid Overdose.
- National Library of Medicine, 2023. Opioid Overdose.
- Medical News Today, 2023. Narcan side effects: What you should know.
- Healthline, 2023. Withdrawing from Opiates and Opioids.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024. Opioids.
- Pharmaeconomics Open, 2021. Community Distribution of Naloxone: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations.
- Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 2010. Preventing Opiate Overdose Deaths: Examining Objections to Take-Home Naloxone.
- CNBC, 2018. A controversial study suggests anti-overdose med naloxone increases reckless opioid use.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administraation, 2023. FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray.