In 2023, around 200 people died each day due to fentanyl overdose in the United States. However, due to the fact that opioid overdoses had become all too common, an antidote also emerged. Scientists found that Naloxone (also known as Narcan) had the ability to reverse a fentanyl overdose in just a few minutes. It works because Narcan has a very high binding affinity to μ-opioid receptors in the brain that are originally activated by opioids. This competitive antagonist displaces opioid molecules in the brain, stopping and reversing the effects of an overdose.
One of the reasons fentanyl is so deadly is because it is extremely potent and fast, meaning a tiny amount can quickly pass the blood brain barrier and enter the CNS. Some of the side effects include pain relief and euphoria, but it also suppresses the brain stem's respiratory ability. This causes slow and shallow breaths, and can even stop your ability to breathe resulting in death.
The discovery of the power of Narcan has been very popular in the media and in the medical world, as it is often used in Emergency Departments of hospitals in the U.S. Many police officers also carry Narcan in case of emergencies. There are no known negative effects of Narcan if opioids are not present in the body. Given that opioid overdoses have become so common, many citizens have fought for Narcan to be kept in A.E.D. boxes in public places, so that it can be easily accessible if someone were to overdose. Many universities such as the University of Maryland, University of Arizona, and Iowa State University have already taken action by adding Narcan into every A.E.D. box in their respective universities.
References:
“Drug Label - Accessdata.Fda.Gov.” NARCAN-Fda.Gov, July 2003, www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/016619s054lbl.pdf.
Jordan, Matthew R. “Naloxone.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 May 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441910/?utm.
Another great post! I can personally attest to keeping Narcan's in AED box's/First Aid kits because I have had to administer a few to the homeless population I encounter at one of my jobs. While the public image of Narcan is positive, I do think it is important to know about the darker side of administering Narcan to individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. For example, one of the things people commonly do not know is that when you administer a Narcan to a regular opioid user, it causes instant withdrawal. So, while you are saving their life they perceive it as you are ending/ruining their high and they're ready to fight. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI think this is such an interesting topic and a very relevant one as you mentioned there has been a big increase in opioid overdoses. I have seen that even Regis has sent emails regarding the situation in the past. Based on your post it seems like Narcan is this magical drug that has no downsides. In your reading did you find any negative effects or any reason why people would not want them to be accessible in AED boxes?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insight on Narcan! I definitely think it is a great drug to keep around in case of an emergency. Last summer I actually got certified as an EMT and learned how to administer Narcan as well as all of the things to look out for. I found it most interesting that the main message was to look out for temporary aggitation when the patient wakes up. It makes me wonder what causes this agitation.
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