How Long Does It Take for Narcan to Work?

Using Over-The-Counter Narcan to Prevent Opioid Overdose

For those abusing opioids (and their concerned friends and loved ones), this page is going to answer a simple but important question: how long does it take for Narcan to work?

As one of the most prominent tools in the battle against opioid overdose, Narcan plays an important role, but only when it is understood and used correctly.

Of course, the best-case scenario is for someone not to need to turn to Narcan (Naloxone nasal spray) in the first place. What would be better is to seek treatment for opioid addiction before it reaches the point of a potential overdose. If you or a loved one is dealing with opioid addiction and wants to take a complete approach to preventing overdose by getting help, take a moment today to call Purpose Healing Center and talk about the situation.

We don’t want to see you or someone in your family need emergency medical care, but our resource will break down how long it takes Narcan to work and provide more details about this important medication.

How Narcan Works in the Body

Narcan is simply a brand name for the drug naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist. That simply means that it binds to the same receptors in the brain that are targeted by opioids.

However, it does not create the same effects as opioids, and it is effective at displacing the opioid molecules and preventing them from doing further harm. Specifically, using Narcan can stop opioids in the body from depressing breathing and stopping other vital functions.

When used promptly, Narcan and other naloxone drugs are able to give the brain and body a chance to restore normal breathing and overall function. This is critical in a situation where the body is shutting down due to an opioid overdose. It is no exaggeration to say that a matter of minutes can make the difference between life and death in this kind of situation.

How Quickly Does Narcan Take Effect?

One of the reasons that Narcan nasal spray is so effective is that it can work quickly. Most people will start to see results in just two to three minutes after the spray is used.

Sometimes, it will happen even faster. If you are around someone who appears to be experiencing an opioid overdose, administer Narcan nasal spray as soon as possible for it to have the best possible effect.

While Narcan is able to start fighting opioid drugs quickly, it doesn’t stay on the opioid receptors for long. After just 30 to 90 minutes, the Narcan will be out of the body and no longer able to provide any of the benefits that it delivers. At the same time, many opioids can stay in the body longer, especially a synthetic opioid like fentanyl.

Opioid Overdose Forms an Ongoing Threat Following Narcan Use

This is why it’s important not to assume that the risk of a suspected overdose has come and gone after a single dose of naloxone hydrochloride has been administered. Once the Narcan nasal spray wears off, the opioids that remain in the body will start to bind to those same receptors in the brain again.

There usually isn’t any way to know how much of an opioid remains in the body, or how much of a threat there still is of an overdose after the first dose of Narcan. Is the individual now safe, or will their symptoms quickly return once the naloxone starts to wear off?

It’s natural to have a bit of a drop in energy or focus once the immediate threat of an overdose has passed, but it would be a mistake to assume that everything is now all good.

What to Do After Giving Narcan?

Even when Narcan has been used successfully, it’s still necessary to call 911 right away for emergency medical help. Multiple doses of naloxone may be necessary to deal with the opioids in the body, or other medical treatment may be required as the individual gradually works through this event and the body processes the opioids.

Once the Narcan has been given, continue to pay close attention to the situation. While waiting for emergency medical care to arrive, the person should be placed on their side in a recovery position. This will help to keep the airway clear. If necessary, a second dose of naloxone may be provided to continue the overdose prevention work.

Paying Close Attention Following Narcan Administration

With naloxone administered, monitoring the condition of the individual over the coming minutes and hours becomes important. This is the work that will be done by medical personnel once they arrive.

Even if the person who is administering naloxone is not a medical professional, they can still pay attention to the patient’s condition and watch for concerning signs like extreme drowsiness.

If a high dose of opioids has been taken, there is a good chance that the battle isn’t over after the first dose of Narcan. Opioid use is particularly dangerous in this way. It might feel like there are minimal risks of a second overdose once the first has been dealt with, but that’s not really the case.

Unlike with some other drugs, the danger can keep coming with opioids, but fortunately, naloxone works over and over again, as needed.

The Importance of Treatment Beyond Narcan

There is no doubt that Narcan is an extremely valuable tool. Anything that can reverse the effects of opioids and save lives should be available in as many places as possible. With that said, naloxone wears of quickly and is not a permanent solution. It’s meant to be used as a life-saving measure in an emergency situation.

Then, once the emergency has passed and the individual is stabilized, it will be time to think about long-term treatment options to avoid getting back into that situation in the future.

Narcan should be seen as a temporary patch that is addressing a permanent problem. It’s far better than having no patch at all, of course, but it doesn’t prevent the many harmful effects of addiction from doing damage in your life. Whether it’s opioids or other substances, addiction is a serious problem and needs to be treated with the respect that it demands.

Professional Treatment is Necessary

It’s hard to break an opioid addiction on your own. For many, it will be basically impossible. The effects of opioids are so strong, and the withdrawal symptoms so powerful and uncomfortable, that getting through to the other side and living a life free from drug addiction can feel like it’s a world away.

That is, until you get professional treatment. With help from an experienced professional in a licensed facility, you’ll be able to enjoy the kind of care that is truly needed to confront a problem this big. That may mean things like going through a medical detox, entering a formal treatment program, receiving therapy, and other services that are aimed at lasting recovery.

If you have been fighting against an opioid addiction for an extended period and have largely given up hope on a sober future, entering a treatment program is the missing piece you’ve been hoping to find.

Choose Purpose to Get a Foundation in Recovery from Opioids

There is no questioning the value of Narcan nasal spray, and we are glad that it is available for use before emergency personnel arrive. With that said, we want you to get the help you need now, instead of waiting for a situation that requires life-saving medication.

The first step is to reach out to Purpose Healing Center for help. Our amazing team of experienced professionals will immediately be on your side, listening to your needs and crafting a plan to get you into recovery. There will be no judgment when you call, only understanding and support.

You’ve been suffering from opioid addiction for too long. Let’s make a change together and allow you to explore a bright future with our support. Make the confidential call, and let’s talk today.