Naloxone - sold under the brand name Narcan - is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes. It is safe, effective, and available without a prescription in Texas. It can be the difference between life and death.
How It Works
Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain. In an overdose, this causes breathing to slow or stop. Naloxone rapidly displaces opioids from those receptors, restoring normal breathing. It works on all opioids, including fentanyl (though higher doses or a second dose may be needed).
Naloxone has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids. It cannot be misused to get high. It simply reverses the overdose.
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
Act immediately if you see:
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Unresponsive or unconscious (will not wake up)
- Blue or purple lips or fingertips
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Extremely small (pinpoint) pupils
How to Use Naloxone
- Call 911 first.
- Lay the person on their back. Tilt their head back to open the airway.
- Administer naloxone. For nasal spray (Narcan): insert the tip into one nostril and press firmly.
- Give rescue breaths if they are not breathing on their own.
- If no response in 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose.
- Stay with them until emergency services arrive.
Note: Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes. If the opioid is still in their system, they can go back into overdose. Never leave someone alone after administering naloxone.
Where to Get It
In Texas, naloxone is available:
- At most major pharmacies without a prescription
- Through community organizations and harm reduction programs
- At many emergency rooms and health clinics
Keep it at home. Keep it accessible. Tell the people around you where it is.
Texas Good Samaritan Law
Texas law provides civil and criminal immunity to people who call 911 for an overdose emergency. Do not let fear of legal consequences stop you from saving a life.