Narcan, a life-saving medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose, is now available at PRC locations in Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. Naloxone (Narcan, Evzio) temporarily stops an opioid overdose by blocking its effects on the brain.
What are opioid medications?
You probably know that Hydrocodone, Morphine, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl are opioid medications. You may not know that Tylenol 1, 2, 3 and 4, Meperidine (Demerol), Tapentadol (Nucynta IR), Methadone, and Buprenorphine are also opioids and carry the same risks.
What is naloxone?
- Naloxone (Narcan, Evzio) temporarily stops an opioid overdose by blocking its effects on the brain.
- It does NOT work for overdoses involving alcohol or non-opioid drugs such as stimulants or benzodiazepines.
- It’s safe to use and unlikely to cause harmful effects even if given to someone who is not overdosing on opioids.
What are the types of naloxone?
Naloxone injection
Injectable naloxone is easy to use and your pharmacist will train you when receiving your kit. Learn how to use injectable naloxone.
Naloxone nasal spray — Intra-nasal naloxone is for the nose.
It is easy to use and works even if you need to give it to a person who is not breathing.
How to give naloxone nasal spray:
- Peel the package open and hold the device. Do not press until ready to give naloxone.
- Place the nasal end in the nostril.
- Press plunger firmly to spray.
Why do I need it?
- Anybody taking an opioid has a potential risk of overdosing.
- An overdose can occur even with proper use.
- Opioids can slow or stop breathing, leading to loss of consciousness or death.
Signs of an opioid overdose:
- Cannot wake up
- Slow irregular breaths or not breathing
- Body is limp
- Small or pinpoint pupils
- Snoring or gurgling
- Blue lips or fingernails
How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose
How to stay safe on opioid medications:
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not start any new medications without talking to your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist first.
- Do not share medications.
- Store medications in a safe and secure place.
- Take your medications exactly as prescribed. If you have questions, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
Naloxone Pickup Locations
Stop by any of these Peace River Center sites, and ask for a free Narcan (naloxone) Nasal Spray kit. We will not ask your name or any personal information.
Bartow
Bartow Crisis Stabilization Unit
1255 Golfview Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
Lakeland
FACT / Substance Abuse Program
1825 Gilmore Ave, Lakeland FL 33805
Lakeland
Gilmore Outpatient Office
1831 Gilmore Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
Lakeland
Lakeland Crisis Stabilization Unit
715 North Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Lakeland
Wellness Clinic
1835 Gilmore Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
Wauchula
Wauchula Outpatient Facility
213 E Orange St., Suite B, Wauchula, FL 33873