How can you tell when someone overdoses on an opioid that narcan is effective against? Most states have those Good Samaritan laws so others can’t get in trouble for telling what it was, but I know it doesn’t work against everything.
Narcan / naloxone is effective against all opioids. It's a matter of whatever else might be in someone else's system (ie benzos, tranqs) that it doesn't affect, as it blocks the brain's opioid receptors. But you should be cautious on using Narcan unless someone's breathing is either really labored (like if it's more of a gurgle than a breath) or has stopped. Otherwise it's not an opioid overdose, and if the person is a regular opioid user you'll snap them into withdrawal right away without any need to do so.
Also, for people seeing this later - please feel free to hit me up with harm reduction questions! First time long time, seeing this thread finally coaxed me into registering an account.
Check for tiny pupils, very slow breathing (like 6/min), and check consciousness. If they don't respond to you talking to them loudly or touching them, then you're good to give it. It's a very benign drug.
A sternum rub (just make sure not to do this repeatedly.. it either works or it doesn't and excessive sternum rubbing can scar) or pressing your fingernail into the bed of one of their fingernails are some go-to pressure points worth trying before administering
How can you tell when someone overdoses on an opioid that narcan is effective against? Most states have those Good Samaritan laws so others can’t get in trouble for telling what it was, but I know it doesn’t work against everything.
Narcan / naloxone is effective against all opioids. It's a matter of whatever else might be in someone else's system (ie benzos, tranqs) that it doesn't affect, as it blocks the brain's opioid receptors. But you should be cautious on using Narcan unless someone's breathing is either really labored (like if it's more of a gurgle than a breath) or has stopped. Otherwise it's not an opioid overdose, and if the person is a regular opioid user you'll snap them into withdrawal right away without any need to do so.
Also, for people seeing this later - please feel free to hit me up with harm reduction questions! First time long time, seeing this thread finally coaxed me into registering an account.
Check for tiny pupils, very slow breathing (like 6/min), and check consciousness. If they don't respond to you talking to them loudly or touching them, then you're good to give it. It's a very benign drug.
A sternum rub (just make sure not to do this repeatedly.. it either works or it doesn't and excessive sternum rubbing can scar) or pressing your fingernail into the bed of one of their fingernails are some go-to pressure points worth trying before administering