Does Narcan Work On Fentanyl?

Narcan (naloxone) has become a critical tool in the fight against opioid overdoses, especially in the context of the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent than heroin or morphine, which has dominated the landscape of overdose deaths. As a result, the effectiveness of naloxone in reversing these potentially lethal overdoses has been a topic of growing concern, and many people wonder does Narcan work on fentanyl. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rose from 3,442 to 14,716 between 1999 and 2022. The issue is widespread and requires immediate action.

While Narcan has proven life-saving in numerous cases, its ability to counteract fentanyl’s effects is not without limitations. Understanding the possibilities and limits of Narcan is crucial for both medical professionals and the general public in addressing the escalating opioid crisis. At WhiteSands Treatment, we seek to educate the public on addiction and treat those who have a substance use disorder. Our treatment centers are located throughout Florida and run by experts ready to help you overcome a fentanyl addiction. 

 

What Drugs Can Be Reversed With Narcan?

Narcan is a medication primarily used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, but its effectiveness is mainly limited to opioid drugs. Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription painkillers and illegal substances. 

Below is a list of drugs that Narcan can reverse:

• Heroin: Narcan is commonly used to reverse overdoses of this illicit opioid. It works by rapidly displacing heroin from opioid receptors in the brain, reversing respiratory depression and other life-threatening effects.
• Prescription Opioids: Morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and fentanyl are commonly prescribed opioids, which Narcan can reverse the effects of. 
• Fentanyl Analogs: Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than fentanyl. Narcan can reverse its effects, but higher or repeated doses may be needed. Other fentanyl analogs include substances like acetylfentanyl, butyrfentanyl, and others, which are chemically similar to fentanyl but vary in potency.
• Codeine: Codeine is a prescription opioid used for mild to moderate pain and cough suppression.
• Methadone: Methadone is a long-acting opioid used in the treatment of opioid addiction. While it is less likely to cause rapid respiratory depression compared to other opioids, Narcan can still be effective in reversing an overdose.
• Tramadol: Tramadol is a pain medication that has opioid-like effects, although its action is somewhat different from other opioids.
• Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it doesn’t fully activate opioid receptors. Narcan can reverse overdoses of buprenorphine, though the effects are less predictable than with full agonist opioids like heroin or fentanyl.

While Narcan is highly effective at reversing the effects of opioid overdoses, it works only on opioids and does not affect other types of drug overdoses. In cases of polysubstance overdoses (where opioids are taken alongside other drugs), Narcan may reverse the opioid-induced effects but won’t address the symptoms caused by other substances, which may require different treatments. Consequently, seeking preventative treatment from facilities like WhiteSands is crucial to mitigate the risk of overdoses. Their compassionate team of addiction specialists can help you understand the answers to questions like “Does Narcan work on fentanyl?” and give you the tools for a successful recovery. 

What Drugs Does Narcan Not Work On?

Narcan is highly effective at reversing overdoses caused by fentanyl and other opioids, but it does not work on other types of substances. Here is a list of drugs that Narcan does not reverse:

1. Stimulants: These can include drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and amphetamines (Adderall).
2. Benzodiazepines: These include Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Clonazepam (Klonopin). These drugs, which are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, belong to the class of central nervous system depressants. While they can cause respiratory depression when taken in large doses, Narcan will not reverse the overdose.
3. Barbiturates: Drugs like Phenobarbital, Secobarbital, and Pentobarbital are barbiturates. They are sedative-hypnotic drugs and can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death when overdosed. 
4. Alcohol: Narcan does not work on alcohol intoxication or overdose. Although alcohol can depress the central nervous system and impair respiratory function, its effects are not counteracted by naloxone.
5. Antidepressants: This includes tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline, and SSRIs/SNRIs like Fluoxetine (Prozac).

In cases of overdose involving these drugs, additional medical treatment is needed. While Narcan is an essential tool in combating opioid overdoses, it does not affect overdoses caused by other types of substances, highlighting the importance of tailored treatments in overdose management.

What Happens If You Give Someone Narcan Who Doesn’t Need It?

If Narcan is administered to someone who doesn’t require the drug, it is generally considered safe and will have little to no effect. Narcan works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reversing the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers. If the person isn’t under the influence of opioids, the drug will not trigger any significant physiological response. In most cases, the person will experience no change in their condition. However, there are some potential side effects to consider.

For example, Narcan may cause mild symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea, especially if administered in higher doses. These symptoms are temporary and will subside once the drug leaves the system. In some rare instances, if someone is physically dependent on opioids and Narcan is given inadvertently, it could precipitate withdrawal symptoms. However, this would only occur if they had opioids in their system at the time. 

Can You Go to Sleep After Taking Narcan?

After taking Narcan, it is generally not advisable to go to sleep immediately, especially if you’ve had an opioid overdose. Narcan works by reversing the life-threatening effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression, but its effects are temporary (lasting 30 to 90 minutes). If someone has taken a long-acting opioid or a potent opioid like fentanyl, the effects of the drug may outlast the action of Narcan. This means that even if you feel better after Narcan is administered, the opioid overdose could return as the naloxone wears off. If you go to sleep too soon, you risk slipping back into respiratory depression or even another overdose. 

Understanding these risks and whether Narcan does or does not work on opioids like fentanyl can be a crucial first step toward recovery. At WhiteSands Treatment, our inpatient and outpatient services can help you or a loved one take back control and remove the risk of overdose. 

Call WhiteSands Treatment to Get Answers to Questions Like, “Does Narcan Work on Fentanyl?”

If you have questions like, “Does Narcan work on fentanyl?” or any other concerns about opioid overdoses, it’s vital to seek professional guidance. WhiteSands Treatment offers expert advice and support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and those looking for accurate information about opioid overdose prevention and treatment options. 

WhiteSands’ knowledgeable team can answer your questions, provide education about naloxone, and help you understand how to respond to an overdose emergency. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at 877-855-3470.

External Sources

• National Institute of Drug Abuse – Drug Overdose Deaths
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications
•  Shasta County, California – The Facts About Naloxone

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.