When naloxone was first approved to reverse opioid overdoses, its brand name was “Narcan.” There are now other formulations and brand names for naloxone, but many people continue to call all of these products “Narcan.” However, the proper generic name is “naloxone.”
Naloxone temporarily blocks the effects of opioids and can reverse overdose. Naloxone only works if opioids are in the body and has no effects on alcohol or other drugs. It takes 2-5 minutes to start working and may require more than one dose. The effects of naloxone last for between 30-90 minutes. Naloxone may cause an opioid dependent person to go into withdrawal (e.g. nausea, vomiting, agitation, muscle aches). These symptoms will go away as the naloxone wears off.
How do I get Free Narcan/Naloxone and Other Supplies?
Narcan OPEN Stand
Individuals
There are several ways to get FREE Narcan, FREE Fentanyl Test Strips, and/or FREE Xylazine Test Strips:
Send a text to 716-225-5473
Call 716-858-7695
Go to an Harm Reduction OPEN (Overdose Prevention, Education, & Narcan) Stand
Opioids can cause a person’s breathing to slow or even stop - this is considered an overdose. All opioids put people at risk.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE:
Call 911. NOTE: The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law provides substantial protection to anyone calling 911 to save a life, even if drugs are present.
Follow dispatcher instructions.
Give naloxone
If no reaction in 3 minutes, give second dose.
After giving naloxone, stay with the person for 3 hours (as long as you can) or until help arrives. Make sure the person does not take more opioids even if they don’t feel well. If the person is still unresponsive, lay them on their side, wait for help. If you know how, do rescue breathing and/or CPR or follow 911 dispatcher instructions.
More Information & Resources
24 hour Addiction Hotline 716-831-7007 - Get immediate help, education, information, referrals and assistance with linking to addiction treatment services (Hotline Flyers - Please post to help inform others)
Naloxone temporarily blocks the effects of opioids and can reverse overdose. Naloxone only works if opioids are in the body and has no effects on alcohol or other drugs. It takes 2-5 minutes to start working and may require more than one dose. The effects of naloxone last for between 30-90 minutes. Naloxone may cause an opioid dependent person to go into withdrawal (e.g. nausea, vomiting, agitation, muscle aches). These symptoms will go away as the naloxone wears off.
