If you are also searching for an answer to the question, “Is Naloxone A Controlled Substance?” we have got you covered. Naloxone is not a controlled substance because it does not have misuse potential or risk of developing addiction. You can obtain it without even showing your ID or prescription. But what are the benefits of Naloxone in treating or managing addiction? Keep reading this blog to find the answer to this question, understand the benefits of naloxone, and how you can acquire it.
Naloxone is a bridge between someone with opioid addiction and rehab. Call ChoicePoint immediately after administering Naloxone to your loved one 844.445.2565.
Table of Contents
Naloxone: A Controlled And Uncontrolled Substance
Now that you have the answer to ‘Is naloxone a controlled substance?’ let’s better understand naloxone and naloxone’s mechanism of action. Controlled and uncontrolled drugs are the two types of prescription drugs. Here is an overview of controlled and uncontrolled substances, providing a glimpse into the naloxone mechanism of action for opioid overdose.
| Controlled Substances | Uncontrolled Substances |
|---|---|
| Controlled medications work on the central nervous system and have the potential to create physical and mental dependency. | Uncontrolled drugs are prescribed drugs with no potential for misuse. |
| Some of the controlled substances are prescribed, and some are illicit drugs | These are usually prescribed for infections and chronic diseases. |
|
Examples of prescribed controlled substances:
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Laws & Regulation of Controlled Substances
Due to their potential to cause addiction, controlled substances are strictly regulated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The regulation applies to:
- How these substances are made
- Their distribution
- Storage and handling
- Their use
But the good thing is that naloxone is an uncontrolled substance and very potent in reversing opioid overdose.
Why Is Naloxone Important For Opioid Addiction?
Opioid overdose is a persistent crisis in the United States. Illicit opioid overdose contributed to around 105,303 deaths in the 12-month period that ended in October 2023. With a crisis of this stake, it is important to have an antidote that can provide relief to people dealing with opioid overdose.
“I was on heroin when one night, I remember, I mixed benzos with methadone, which you are not supposed to do. But I thought I would get a good night’s sleep. When I woke up, I saw some corps and my mother standing around me. She was crying hysterically. She told me that she had to administer naloxone kits to stabilize me before an ambulance arrived. I owe my life to Naloxone.” Jane, ChoicePoint’s alumna, shared their Narcan success story.
“I was on heroin when one night, I remember, I mixed benzos with methadone, which you are not supposed to do. But I thought I would get a good night’s sleep. When I woke up, I saw some corps and my mother standing around me. She was crying hysterically. She told me that she had to administer naloxone kits to stabilize me before an ambulance arrived. I owe my life to Naloxone.” Jane, ChoicePoint’s alumna, shared their Narcan success story.
Benefits Of Naloxone For Opioids
With three million people addicted to opioids, Naloxone is a quick and easy treatment for them. It is beneficial in reversing the following effects of opioid overdose:
- Decreased pulse rate
- Unconsciousness
- Respiratory distress
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Overcoming respiratory depression
- Constricted pupils
- Death
Did you know? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved using naloxone to treat overdoses for the first time in 1971.
Did you know? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved using naloxone to treat overdoses for the first time in 1971.
FDA’s Approval For Naloxone
Over 75% of overdose deaths in the United States in 2020 were due to opioids. Considering the life-saving impact of Naloxone, the FDA approved over-the-counter availability in March 2023. It allowed:
- Narcan: 4 milligrams (mg) of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray (Narcan) is available now for even nonprescription use. It means you can carry it and administer it anytime to save a life.
- Injectable Naloxone: The FDA has approved a single-dose prefilled syringe that injects naloxone into muscle, under the skin, or in the vein.
With this move, naloxone is now available in local pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and online.
Responding to Opioid Overdose
Naloxone Mechanism Of Action
Naloxone works only when you have opioids in your system. Opioid blocks the mu-receptors of your brain, resulting in a high. They also affect the respiratory neurons, causing breathing trouble. While this high may not always be dangerous, CDC reports and WHO facts sheets suggest that these are a few common overdose signs:
- Respiratory issues
- Fatigued body
- Constricted pupils
- Trouble breathing
- Brain Damage
- Death
Naloxone has more affinity for mu-receptors than opioids. When naloxone is administered, it immediately attaches to the opioid receptors and blocks them.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From an Overdose?
How long it takes to recover from an overdose depends on the route of administration, but you can expect to have results in a few minutes. Naloxone’s mechanism of action involves blocking opioid receptors for no more than ninety minutes as naloxone remains in your body for about 30-90 minutes. As a result, the opioid overdose effect is reversed. Your breathing is restored, and you gain consciousness quickly.
Precautions While Using Naloxone For Opioid Overdose
Since Naloxone is available for everyone, you must know the naloxone indications:
- Seek emergency help immediately after Naloxone administration, even if the patient has recovered fully
- Administer a second dose if you feel the patient is relapsing
- Administer repeat dosing in alternate nostrils
- If the additional doses do not work, perform CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
If you wonder does Narcan (naloxone) helps with opioid withdrawal, then you should know that it doesn’t. Naloxone provides temporary relief from the overdose. You need professional help to deal with withdrawal and overcome opioid addiction.
Risks Associated With Naloxone
While there are no naloxone side effects, it’s important to use it wisely. Since naloxone remains in the body for about 90 minutes, and opioids stay in your blood for a much longer time, you are most probably going to experience opioid withdrawal symptoms right after naloxone’s mechanism of action. Some of these withdrawal symptoms include:
- Blood pressure fluctuations
- Vomiting and nausea
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Belly Pain
- Seizures
- Irregular reflexes
The very next step after you have recovered from a life-threatening overdose is to seek medical support for opioid addiction. You can do so by contacting a nearby rehab for holistic addiction treatment. The rehab will help you deal with these withdrawal symptoms and safely detox opioids.
Call Choicepoint For A Comfortable Opioid Withdrawal Experience
ChoicePoint offers holistic substance abuse and addiction treatment. Our team of expert addiction professionals provides a non-judgemental treatment approach for opioid detox, medical counseling, and recovery. Reach out to us by completing the online form to begin your journey toward sobriety.
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Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Is Naloxone a Controlled Substance?
There are a few answers that can help you understand naloxone better.
Does Naloxone Expire?
Yes, naloxone comes with an expiry date.
What Class of Drug is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an opioid antidote add belongs to Scedule III, uncontrolled drug class. It binds to the opioid receptors and blocks them so that opioid effects do not last longer. It provides temporary relief from opioids, which is why seeking professional treatment for opioid addiction is essential after recovering from an opioid overdose.
Is Naloxone Over the Counter?
Yes, naloxone nasal spray is available over the counter. FDA approved its availability in March 2023.
Is Naloxone the same as Narcan?
Narcan is the brand name, whereas naloxone is the general name.
What are the Contraindications of Naloxone?
Except for hypersensitivity, naloxone does not have any contraindications. You can use it in an emergency for an opioid overdose. It can result in drug withdrawal symptoms like:
- Pain
- Sweating
- Blood Pressure Fluctuation
- Nausea and Vomiting
It’s best to reach out to a nearby rehab to manage these withdrawal symptoms.
When Should Naloxone Be Given?
Naloxone can be given to anyone who has opioid overdose signs. Keep FDA-approved naloxone nasal with you if you or your loved ones are on drugs.
References
National Center For Biotechnology Information. 2023. Controlled Substances
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554383/
United States Drug Enforcement Administration. 2024. The Controlled Substances Act.
https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/csa
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm
National Center For Biotechnology Information. 2024. Opioid Use Disorder
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Drug Overdose Deaths
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/index.html
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Naloxone Drug Facts
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Save a Life from Prescription Opioid Overdose
https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness/prevent/index.html
World Health Organization. 2023. Opioid Overdose
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose
National Center For Biotechnology Information. 2023. Naloxone
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441910/
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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