- Myth: Naloxone can be abused or is dangerous
Fact: Naloxone is a safe, non-addictive medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It has no effect on people who are not experiencing an opioid overdose, making it safe to use in emergencies. Naloxone only works to reverse the effects of opioids and cannot be misused - Myth: Naloxone works for all types of overdoses
Fact: Naloxone is specifically designed to reverse opioid overdoses. It will not work for overdoses caused by other substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants - Myth: Once naloxone is administered, the person is fully safe
Fact: Naloxone can restore normal breathing and consciousness temporarily, but the person may need further medical treatment. Naloxone’s effects wear off after 30 to 90 minutes, and opioid effects can return, so emergency medical help is still essential - Myth: You need medical training to administer naloxone
Fact: Naloxone is designed to be easy to use, even for people without medical training. Most naloxone kits, especially nasal spray versions, come with simple, step-by-step instructions. Anyone can learn to use it in an emergency - Myth: Naloxone will only work on people who are “seriously overdosing”
Fact: Naloxone can be used for any level of opioid overdose, including mild to severe cases. Early intervention with naloxone increases the chances of survival and reduces the risk of long-term harm
By addressing these myths, we can ensure that naloxone is used effectively to save lives and reduce harm in opioid overdose situations.