How Nalaxone Can Save Lives

Yes. Naloxone is considered very safe. If it’s administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it will not cause harm. Unlike opioids, naloxone is not addictive and does not produce euphoria. Its only function is to block the effects of opioids on the brain and restore normal breathing. Due to its safety profile, public health experts recommend that naloxone be made widely available in homes, schools, and community settings. While naloxone is safe, it is essential to always call 911 when it is used, as the effects typically wear off within 30–90 minutes and professional medical care remains necessary. Families, first responders, and community members can confidently use naloxone without fear of unintended consequences.

Naloxone access has expanded dramatically in recent years. Many states have standing orders that allow pharmacies to dispense naloxone without a prescription (you can learn more about each state’s access rules here). The FDA has approved over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray, allowing it to be purchased directly from a pharmacy shelf. Beyond retail options, public health organizations, harm reduction programs, and community coalitions often distribute naloxone for free, especially in areas heavily affected by opioid overdoses. To find naloxone near you, check with your local pharmacy, health department, or other health organizations in your community. 

Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose is essential, since early naloxone use saves lives. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) lists these common signs and symptoms of a drug overdose:

• Dilated pupils
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid breathing, fast heart rate or arrhythmia
• Overheating or excessive sweating
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Panic or extreme anxiety
• Hallucination
• Psychosis

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. Place the person on their side to prevent choking, and stay with them until emergency services arrive. Remember that even if you’re unsure whether the person has overdosed on opioids, using naloxone is safe and recommended, and it will not harm them if opioids are not present.

Yes. Because potent opioids like fentanyl can outlast naloxone’s effects, a person may relapse into overdose symptoms after initially recovering. In these cases, multiple doses of naloxone may be required. Naloxone typically acts in two to three minutes, so if an unconscious person does not wake up in three minutes, bystanders should give a second dose. Carrying extra doses will ensure you are prepared for stronger opioids, and having multiple doses available is especially critical in communities where fentanyl and its analogs are widespread.

Widespread naloxone access helps shift the conversation about addiction from blame to compassion. By treating overdoses as medical emergencies, similar to how we do for heart attacks or strokes, naloxone distribution encourages people to view substance use disorder as a health issue rather than a moral failing. This Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit from SAMHSA explains, “There is no ‘type’ of person who experiences OUD or opioid overdose. Research has shown that women, older people, and those without obvious signs of OUD are undertreated” with opioid overdose reversal medications like naloxone. Carrying naloxone demonstrates that a community values life and recovery, not punishment or shame, which is an important perspective for encouraging treatment-seeking behavior. When naloxone is normalized, it not only saves lives but also helps reduce the isolation and judgment that often prevent people from seeking help.

After administering naloxone, always call 911, even if the person appears to be fully recovered. Because naloxone’s effects wear off in 30 to 90 minutes, symptoms can return once the medication leaves the body. While waiting for help, monitor the person’s breathing and responsiveness. Stay with them until emergency responders arrive. If you have helped a family member or loved one through a crisis, it is essential to discuss next steps once they are safe. Overdose reversal can provide a critical opportunity to connect individuals with addiction treatment. At Outpatient Los Angeles, we work with families after overdoses to provide education, support, and treatment options that address the root causes of addiction. Contact us today to learn how we can help.