If you or someone in your household uses opioids, your doctor may suggest that you purchase Narcan (naloxone) in case of an opioid overdose. (Opioids are very strong pain medications, such as oxycodone or morphine.) An opioid overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more opioids than their body can safely process. It’s a medical emergency that causes slow, weak breathing and loss of consciousness (not being able to respond to sound or touch). An opioid overdose can be fatal if not treated.
Narcan temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose while you wait for emergency medical treatment. If you experience an opioid overdose, you won’t be able to give Narcan to yourself. It’s meant to be given by someone else. It’s important to note that Narcan is not a substitute for medical treatment. After giving Narcan to someone, call 911 right away, even if the person wakes up after getting Narcan. Narcan can be very effective for treating an opioid overdose. But like other drugs, Narcan can cause mild or serious side effects (sometimes called “aftereffects”). Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Narcan treatment.
Examples of side effects most commonly reported with Narcan include:
- dryness in the nose
- stuffy nose
- pain in the muscles or bones
- headache
- opioid withdrawal symptoms in people who are physically dependent on opioids
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported include:
- dryness or pain in the nose
- stuffy nose
- pain in the muscles or bones
- headache
- increased blood pressure
- muscle spasms
- toothache
- dry skin
- opioid withdrawal symptoms in people who are physically dependent on opioids
It’s important to note that except for dryness or pain in the nose, the above side effects would only occur in someone who’s used opioids before receiving Narcan. (Dryness or pain in the nose can occur in anyone receiving Narcan because the drug is given through the nose.) In most cases, mild side effects should be temporary, and some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some people may experience serious side effects after using Narcan. Serious side effects that have been reported with Narcan include:
- severe opioid withdrawal symptoms in people who are physically dependent on opioids
- allergic reaction†
It’s important to note that the side effects listed above would only occur in someone who’s used opioids before receiving Narcan.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Narcan. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
Source: https://www.narcan.com/