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Naloxone (Narcan): A Lifesaving Tool Every Family Should Know

  • Writer: Nancy Fazzinga
    Nancy Fazzinga
  • May 18
  • 1 min read

Many overdoses in teens are accidental. Pills or substances may contain fentanyl, even if  they don’t look like it. One exposure can be deadly.  


Narcan Nasal Spray

Know the Signs of Overdose

  • Slow or no breathing  

  • Blue lips  

  • Unconscious/unresponsive  

  • Pinpoint Pupils 


What is Narcan?


Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. It works by restoring breathing and can save a life.


How to Use Narcan (Nasal Spray) 

  1. Spray into one nostril  

  2. Call 911  

  3. Repeat in 2–3 minutes if needed 


Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and won’t harm someone if opioids aren’t present. 


Where to Get Narcan


No prescription is needed. Narcan is available at most pharmacies. (CVS and Walgreens) It can be purchased on  Amazon  


Talk to Your Teen


These can be really difficult conversations. If you are having difficulty starting or having the conversation, please contact our office. We can help.


Know that having the conversation does not mean you are giving permission or condoning drug use. In fact, make it clear that you do not but you know it is a part of our society, easily accessible and accidentally or not intentionally ingested. Take the opportunity to discuss the black market of drugs and that there is no way of regulating production or knowing what drug someone is buying. Pills will look exactly the same, one will have fentanyl and one won’t.


Beyond fentanyl we are seeing a rise in Xylazine and other non opioid additives to drug overdose visits in our emergency rooms. Xyalzine and similar agents do not respond to naloxone making it more difficult if not impossible to treat. 

 
 
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