GPT on Question 16, Sep 22

Naloxone (Narcan) rapidly reverses opioid overdose by knocking opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or morphine off mu-opioid receptors. This restores the brain’s drive to breathe, often within 2–3 minutes. Its effect is temporary—usually 30–90 minutes—so overdose symptoms can return.

When a bystander should use it

Give naloxone immediately if opioid use is possible and the person:

• •Cannot be awakened or is extremely unresponsive
• •Is breathing very slowly, irregularly, or not at all
• •Has pinpoint pupils, blue/gray lips or fingertips, or gurgling/snoring sounds
• •Has drug paraphernalia nearby or known opioid exposure

If unsure, use it: naloxone generally will not harm someone who has not taken opioids.

What to do

• 1.Call emergency services immediately.
• 2.Give naloxone—for nasal spray, insert into one nostril and press the plunger.
• 3.Provide rescue breaths/CPR and use an AED if directed or trained.
• 4.If there is no response after 2–3 minutes, give another dose, alternating nostrils. Potent opioids such as fentanyl may require several doses.
• 5.Once breathing, place the person on their side and stay with them until help arrives.

Naloxone can trigger sudden withdrawal—agitation, vomiting, sweating, or pain—but this is far less dangerous than untreated overdose. Even if the person wakes up, they still need medical evaluation because naloxone may wear off before the opioid does.