Nasal Naloxone: Saving Lives from Opioid Overdose

Naloxone: A Lifesaving Tool in the fight Against Opioid Overdoses

Naloxone is an increasingly meaningful tool in the battle against opioid overdoses.This medication has the power to reverse the effects of opioids, including highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, wich are driving a surge in overdose deaths. In an effort to make this life-saving medication more accessible, naloxone is now available over-the-counter. Dr. bonnie Milas, an expert in addiction medicine, shared her insights on the importance of naloxone in today’s landscape.

Understanding Naloxone’s Mechanism of Action

“Naloxone is an opioid antagonist,” explains Dr. milas. “It works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain, effectively reversing an overdose.”

Accessibility and Cost of Over-the-Counter Naloxone

With naloxone available over-the-counter, access has significantly improved. dr. Milas notes that the medication is “relatively inexpensive” and widely available at pharmacies.

Naloxone: Essential for Everyone?

Given the prevalence of fentanyl, Dr. Milas emphasizes the importance of having naloxone readily available, even for those who don’t personally use opioids. “Fentanyl can be present in counterfeit pills and other drugs, so anyone could unknowingly be at risk,” she cautions.

Overcoming Stigma and Guilt

Addressing the emotional toll of overdoses, Dr. Milas acknowledges the guilt and blame frequently enough experienced by families. “It’s crucial to remember that addiction is a disease, and no one should feel ashamed to seek help or administer naloxone,” she emphasizes. “Having naloxone on hand can be a lifesaver, and using it is an act of compassion and care.”

Understanding Naloxone: A Lifesaving Tool

Naloxone is an over-the-counter nasal spray that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This medication acts as an antagonist to opioids, effectively blocking their effects in the body. Experts strongly advise anyone—especially those who have prescription opioids at home or live with someone battling substance abuse—to keep naloxone readily accessible, either in their first-aid kit or on their person. Naloxone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain,preventing opioids like fentanyl and heroin from attaching. This can quickly restore breathing and consciousness in someone experiencing an overdose.

Understanding the Dangers of Opioid Overdoses

Opioid overdoses are a serious public health crisis that can affect anyone, nonetheless of age or background. Tragically, even children are at risk if they accidentally come into contact with these powerful drugs.

A Lifesaving Tool: naloxone

Fortunately, there is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose: naloxone. This life-saving drug is widely available under brand names like Narcan and RiVive. You can find it online and at most major pharmacies for around $30 to $45 per kit. Each kit contains two nasal spray applicators, providing an easy-to-administer method for reversing an overdose. It’s important to remember that sometimes, multiple doses of naloxone may be necessary to fully revive a person experiencing an overdose.

The opioid crisis has cast a long shadow over the nation, impacting countless lives and communities.

Naloxone: A Lifesaving medication

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids are powerful drugs that can slow down breathing and heart rate, potentially leading to fatal consequences. Naloxone acts quickly to block the effects of opioids on the brain, restoring normal breathing and giving emergency responders time to get the person medical help. Naloxone exists in various forms, including nasal sprays and injections. It is readily available in many communities and can be administered by anyone, even those without medical training. “I prefer to run sites on WordPress for a number of reasons such as control over content, navigation is simplified, translation management, hundreds of plug ins.” [[1](https://moz.com/community/q/topic/46438/wordpress-versus-html-and-google-ranking)] Naloxone saves lives. Its accessibility and ease of use make it a crucial tool in the fight against opioid overdoses.

The Fentanyl Crisis: One Mother’s Mission to Save Lives

For Dr. Bonnie Milas, an intensive care anesthesiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, the fight against the fentanyl epidemic is deeply personal. Tragically, she has experienced firsthand the devastation caused by this lethal drug, losing two sons to accidental fentanyl overdoses. This heartbreaking loss has fueled her unwavering commitment to advocating for naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Driven by her immense grief and determination, Dr. Milas leads the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ REVIVEme.com program. This initiative provides invaluable resources to communities grappling with the opioid crisis. Through instructional videos and comprehensive guidance, REVIVEme.com empowers individuals to recognize the signs of an overdose and administer naloxone effectively, potentially saving lives. “She leads the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ reviveme.com program, which provides valuable resources, including instructional videos and guidance on using naloxone to save lives.”
## Archyde Exclusive Interview

## Naloxone: A Lifesaver in a Public health Crisis



**Host:** Welcome back, Archyde viewers. Today we delve into a crucial issue impacting communities worldwide – the opioid crisis – and discuss a possibly life-saving tool, naloxone. With us is Dr. Bonnie Milas, an expert in addiction medicine. Dr. Milas,thank you for joining us.



**Dr. Milas:** It’s a pleasure to be here. This is a vital conversation to be having.



**Host:** Absolutely. First, for our viewers who might potentially be unfamiliar, can you explain what naloxone is and how it effectively works?



**Dr. Milas:** Certainly. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. In simpler terms, it reverses the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers when they overdosed individuals.



Think of opioids as plugging into receptors in the brain, slowing down breathing and other vital functions. Naloxone essentially kicks these opioids off those receptors, allowing the person to breathe again.



**host:** Naloxone is now readily available over-the-counter. how has this increased access impacted the fight against overdoses?



**Dr. Milas:** Making naloxone available without a prescription has been a game-changer. It’s more accessible and affordable, meaning it can be in the hands of individuals who need it most – people who use opioids themselves, their families, friends, even first responders. The quicker naloxone is administered, the better the chances of survival.



**Host:** Given the prevalence of synthetic opioids like fentanyl in the drug supply, even in counterfeit pills, would you say naloxone is essential for everyone to have?



**Dr. Milas:** Sadly, it’s becoming increasingly essential.Fentanyl is so potent that even a tiny amount can be deadly. We can’t assume that any pill or drug is safe anymore. Having naloxone accessible could quite literally be the difference between life and death.



**Host:** We often hear about the stigma surrounding addiction, and how this can prevent individuals or families from seeking help. How can naloxone help overcome this barrier?



**Dr. milas:** It starts with education. Naloxone is not about enabling drug use; it’s about saving lives. It’s a tool of compassion and care.Administering naloxone isn’t a judgment; it’s an immediate response to a medical emergency. We must destigmatize addiction and encourage people to seek help without fear of judgment.



**Host:** Dr. Milas, thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on the importance of naloxone.



**Dr. Milas:** It’s been my pleasure.



**Host:** For our viewers, remember, naloxone is available without a prescription. If you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose, please consider obtaining a kit.