Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of an overdose. More than one dose of naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved. *
Naloxone will not harm someone* if they’re overdosing on drugs other than opioids, so it is always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing. If you give someone naloxone, stay with them until emergency help arrives or for at least four hours to make sure their breathing returns to normal.*
SOURCE
* Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit. (2018). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.
