GPT on Question 16, Sep 17

Naloxone (Narcan) rapidly reverses opioid overdose by competing with opioids at brain receptors—especially mu-opioid receptors—and temporarily displacing them. This can restore the brain’s drive to breathe. It works for heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids, but not for overdoses caused solely by alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants.

When a bystander should use it

Give naloxone if opioid use is possible and the person:

• •Cannot be awakened
• •Is breathing very slowly, irregularly, or not at all
• •Has blue/gray lips or fingertips
• •Has pinpoint pupils
• •Makes choking, gurgling, or unusual “snoring” sounds

If uncertain, give it anyway—naloxone generally does not harm someone who has not taken opioids.

What to do

• 1.Call emergency services immediately.
• 2.Give naloxone according to the device instructions—commonly one nasal spray into one nostril.
• 3.Start rescue breathing or CPR if needed; use an AED if available.
• 4.If there is no response after 2–3 minutes, give another dose, using a new device, and continue as needed until help arrives.
• 5.Once breathing returns, place the person on their side and stay with them.

Naloxone may wear off in 30–90 minutes, while the opioid can last longer, so overdose symptoms can return. It can also cause sudden withdrawal, including vomiting or agitation, but that risk is far less dangerous than untreated respiratory arrest.