What is an Overdose? What are the signs of an overdose?
Overdosing is the result of taking too much of 1 or more drug(s) than the body can handle. The person experiences a toxic drug poisoning that begins to shutdown the entire body. If overdose in not reversed, death can occur.
Signs of an overdose:
Unconscious - will not respond to anything/anyone
Breathing - slowing or faint
Check for pulse - weakening or cannot feel for a noticeable beat
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Turning blue - Lips and finger nails; discoloring or paling
Opioid Overdose
Reversal & Naloxone
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others.
Narcan or naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medicine taken through nose inhalant or injection. When you take it, Narcan pulls the opioid from your brain receptors and blocks the way, preventing drug poisoning from happening as long as the naloxone is active. Overdose effects will temporarily stop & breathing will return to normal.
How long is Narcan active?:
30 minutes to 2 hours
Call 911 immediately after providing Narcan
Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives
Narcan cannot reverse overdosing for:
Cocaine
Methamphetamine (Meth, Batu, Ice)
Naloxone working to replace opioids in the brain and reverse overdosing effects on the body.
Where to find Narcan
Naloxone is provided for free by Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC) if you live on O‘ahu, Hawai`i, Kaua`i, or Maui island. Please call (808) 853-3292 or go to their website for information and assistance.
Naloxone can also be prescribed by a pharmacist at a pharmacy like CVS or Longs Drugs.
Ask your medical provider for naloxone. They can prescribe it to you or give you a sample.
If you have attended a virtual training and need a Narcan kit.
WHCHC Opioids & Overdose Reversal Handouts
A resource and information guide for patients and caregivers about opioids and overdose reversal. Click here for a printable version.
Have more questions about Naloxone and the signs of an opioid overdose?
Contact your healthcare provider at West Hawaii Community Health Center!
Phone: (808) 326-5629