Addiction affects the brain’s reward system and can be physically, mentally, and socially damaging. The most life-threatening addiction is that of opioids. Opioid use disorder is one of the fatal epidemics that has emerged globally and has claimed nearly 564,000 lives in the last two decades (1999-2020). These alarming statistics are concerning because the use of more dangerous opioids, such as Fentanyl®, is currently rising. Certain medications have the potential to antagonize the effects of opioids and other dangerous drugs. Therefore, clinicians use medications like Narcan® to keep people from dying due to an overdose. Read the article to know how long does Narcan stay in your system and how it works to help rescue your loved ones from an opioid overdose.
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How Does Narcan Work?
Narcan is one of several names under which Naloxone is branded and marketed. It is an FDA-approved medication that is given to people who abuse opioids. Naloxone is characterized by its reversal effects on opioids such as Morphine, Fentanyl®, Meth, etc. Narcan, an opioid antagonist, is administered to patients experiencing opioid overdose by:
- reducing respiratory depression
- obstructing effects of opioids
- stabilize breathing
The above-mentioned stability is achieved when Naloxone fixes itself to opioid receptors and reduces the effects of an overdose. Naloxone can help reverse the results within two to three minutes.
Narcan Dose and Administration
Narcan®, especially the nasal spray, consists of 4 mg of Naloxone; usually, one dose is enough. However, more doses may be given depending on the following factors:
- type of opioid used
- amount of opioids taken
- potency of opioids
If the person’s breath has not returned to normal after the first dose, you may give another dose until an expert arrives to check them.
Narcan® can be administered in two forms:
Nasal spray
The nasal spray device is easy to use and is frequently recommended to those who have loved ones who suffer from opioid use disorder. It is a needleless spray administered through the nostril while the overdosed person lies down.
Injectable
Narcan® can also be administered intramuscularly (IM). Narcan is an injectable that has to be infused under the skin into the veins. In most cases, the correct dose must be drawn from a vial. Because giving a proper dose is essential, it should only be administered by an experienced medical professional.
You may easily get your hands on Narcan in the form of a nasal spray because it is not addictive. However, Narcan® alone cannot guarantee that the effects are wholly reversed. Therefore, you must call for medical expertise once you have administered it nasally, as it is not an alternative to proper treatment.
How Does Narcan Reverse the Effects of Opioids?
How Long Does Narcan Stay in Your System?
For those wondering, “how long does Narcan stay in your system,” the answer is that it may stay for around 30 to 120 minutes in the body. The following are some of the facts about Naloxone and how long it blocks the effects of narcotics:
- The duration of narcotics in the system is determined by how they are administered.
- The number of doses a person receives influences how long Naloxone remains in the body.
- Narcan’s effects weaken before the drug is eradicated from the body.
If you are wondering how long Naloxone blocks opiates, it depends upon the following factors:
Half-life of Narcan
The half-life of Narcan, which determines the longevity of its presence, is only four minutes, and oftentimes Narcan will wear off before the opiate leaves the body. However, other factors may also play a part in how long does Narcan stays in your system.
Body Weight
Weight can have an impact on a person’s drug metabolism. Because of this, medications, including opioid antagonists like Narcan, may remain in the bodies of overweight persons for longer.
Narcan Metabolism
How a drug is ingested can also affect how soon it leaves the body. If you are wondering how long does Naloxone stay in urine, it is answered by how metabolism occurs in the system. Once Naloxone is metabolized, its presence can be detected in the urine.
Age
The time Narcan stays in the system also depends on how old a person is. Because an older person’s system is less quick in metabolizing drugs, Naloxone may stay within the system longer than in a younger person.
Functioning of Liver
Narcan is largely synthesized in the liver, meaning that a person’s liver health may impact how long it lingers in their bloodstream. Overdose victims frequently have preexisting liver damage. Therefore, the presence of Narcan in the system will depend on how severely the liver has been harmed.
Opioids are one of the most dangerous substances with endless hazards; seek professional help to protect yourself. Ring up ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565 for our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program.
Narcan Interactions and Side Effects
For the most part, Naloxone® (Narcan) is safe to be taken and poses few side effects. However, it can potentially interact with other prescription drugs you may take. Because the effects of other drugs are blocked for around 30 to 90 minutes, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. This drug cannot be abused, and once administered into the body of a drug user, it may initiate withdrawal symptoms. Certain side effects of Narcan may appear:
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Sweats
Narcan is not a controlled substance, mainly because it does not have life-threatening hazards nor provide a “high” like the other drugs.
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Prescription for Naloxone at ChoicePoint
ChoicePoint is an addiction treatment center that caters to alcohol- and substance-dependent individuals. We provide a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program through which people can receive treatment for substance dependence. At ChoicePoint, we offer same-day prescriptions once our physician deems it safe for you to take them.
a) IOP/OP Consisting Narcan as Medication
Narcan® is a nasal spray that does not require a medical prescription for you to buy because it is an over-the-counter medication. However, because proper treatment is required for individuals suffering from addiction, it is essential to prevent them from overdosing again. You may opt for our intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP), which may save your life with proper treatment plans.
If you or a loved one suffers from Opiate Use Disorder (OUD), contact us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to benefit from our efficacious treatments.
Professional Help Is Imperative!
Narcan® can potentially save your loved one from falling victim to overdose. However, to ensure a positive treatment experience, people are advised to seek medical help if they depend on opioids. Professional treatment can also rescue an addict from further and long-lasting mental damage. Proper guidance and support make it possible to recover from addiction.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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