NARCAN

Accessing NARCAN at SMSU

SMSU recognizes that licit and illicit drug use is a part of our world while acknowledging the real and tragic harm and danger of drug usage, and chooses to embrace a harm reduction approach. Harm reduction is a spectrum of practical prevention strategies that reduce the likelihood or seriousness of alcohol or other drug related harm.

Opioid overdose can happen fast – in seconds. Naloxone is a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, even while it’s happening. NARCAN is a brand name medication of a single dose of Naloxone, set up as a nasal spray, intended to help rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

NARCAN was designed for people with no medical training. It is easy to use, safe to use even if opioids are not present (if you are unsure of an opioid overdose specifically is happening), works nearly instantly to revive someone during an overdose, and is available over the counter at most pharmacies.

Overdose deaths remain at historically high levels in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 108,000 people died from overdose in 2022.

Most of these deaths involved opioids. Although illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been a significant driver of deaths, other drugs in the illicit drug supply have become increasingly lethal and unpredictable. For example, overdose deaths involving illicit stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine—often in combination with opioids—have also risen.
In addition, xylazine, an active ingredient in a non-opioid sedative approved by FDA for use in animals, but not approved for use in humans, is increasingly added as an adulterant to the illicit drug supply.

Given these realities, it is important that everyone has access to accurate and timely information about overdose risk and prevention—understanding what to look for and how to respond when an overdose occurs can help save lives. Evidence-based interventions are available—knowing when and how to use them can help end the overdose crisis.

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

Opioid overdose can happen fast. If any one of these signs are present, call 911 and give NARCAN.

Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Unusual and heavy sleepiness or unresponsiveness
Slow, shallow, or absent breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Skin feels clammy and cold
Pale, blue, gray, or cold nails, lips or fingertips

How to Give NARCAN

Step 1: Check for signs of opioid overdose. Gently shake the person and yell “Wake up!”. If the person does not wake and signs of opioid overdose are present, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Give NARCAN. Hold the nasal spray device with your thumb on the button of the plunger and insert the nozzle into either nostril. Press the plunger firmly to give the NARCAN dose. Each nasal spray device is one dose.

Step 3: Call 911 immediately after giving NARCAN.

Step 4: Watch and give if needed. Wait 2-3 minutes after the first dose to see if the person wakes up. If the person does not wake up, continue to give doses ever 2-3 minutes until they do. It is safe to keep giving doses.

Step 5: Stay with the person until an ambulance arrives, even if the person wakes up. Give another dose if the person becomes very sleepy again and can’t stay awake.

Steve's Law (Minnesota's Good Samaritan + Naloxone Law)

In Minnesota, Steve's Law provides limited immunity to those who call 911 in good faith to save a life and allows first responders, law enforcement, and trained lay people to administer naloxone, even if they are using drugs when he overdose occurs. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2014/0/Session+Law/Chapter/232/

As of August 2024, the law has been expanded to protect not only the caller and the person overdosing, but anyone else present who remains on scene as well. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/604A.05

In Minnesota, anyone who might have or witness an overdose can legally possess and administer naloxone (or NARCAN).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NARCAN nasal spray work if someone is not breathing?

A person does not need to be breathing for the NARCAN nasal spray to work. The medicine is absorbed by the nasal mucosa and does not need to be inhaled to work.

Can you overdose of NARCAN nasal spray?

No, it is safe to keep giving doses every 2-3 minutes until the person wakes up or emergency personnel arrive.

What are possible side effects of NARCAN nasal spray?

People may experience withdrawal symptoms upon waking, such as shaking, sweating, nausea, feeling angry or wanting to use opioids. This is expected.

How long does NARCAN nasal spray stay in your system?

It usually starts working within minutes and lasts from 60 to 120 minutes. More than one dose may be needed, which is why getting immediate medical care is critical.

Do I need a prescription for NARCAN nasal spray?

No, it is available over the counter at most pharmacies.

Where can I get more training for NARCAN?

https://narcan.com/en/how-to-use-narcan-nasal-spray

How can I obtain NARCAN or Naloxone in the Marshall area and surrounding community?

Over the counter at most pharmacies
At Southwest Health and Human Services locations
At all New Horizons Crisis Center offices
Visit the Naloxone finder map

Last Modified: 1/9/25 3:41 PM | Website Feedback