Narcan
What is Narcan?
Narcan is a brand name for the drug naloxone that is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. The drug attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Narcan can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. However, Narcan has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.
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What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine.
Who should carry Narcan?
If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those struggling with opioid use disorder, you should carry Narcan and keep it at home. People who are taking high-dose opioid medications (greater or equal to 50 morphine milligram equivalents per day) prescribed by a doctor, people who use opioids and benzodiazepines together, and people who use illicit opioids like heroin should all carry naloxone. Because you can’t use naloxone on yourself, let others know you have it in case you experience an opioid overdose.
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How to Use Narcan
Narcan is a nasal spray that should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected.
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How Can I Get Narcan
Please note: Kloxxado is another brand name of a naloxone spray that can also reduce the effects of a drug overdose. Some locations may also have this available as an option
Through Local Pharmacies
Narcan is available for a fee, over-the-counter at local pharmacies.
Free by Mail
Project DAWN is a community-based drug overdose education and naloxone distribution program. It is a service offered by Samaritan Behavioral Health at the CrisisCare offices located at
1 St. Elizabeth Place Building F. For more information visit: https://sbhihelp.org/dawn-training-narcan-kits/
Public Health’s CarePoint Program
CarePoint consists of various services to help those who inject drugs reduce the chances they will do additional harm to themselves and others. Services include the distribution of naloxone, clean syringes and linkage to care.
Public Health’s Recovery Services Program
Our Recovery team brings their lived experience to help understand the problems people are facing, and offer to help you break the cycle of addiction and take control of your life. Free naloxone is available through the Recovery Outreach Team call (937) 461-5223.
Narcan For Business
Montgomery County businesses may request a free life-saving NaloxBox to be placed at an office or business location. Call (937) 225-6026 for more information.
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Community Overdose Action Team
The Community Overdose Action Team provides opioid overdose prevention education and distribution of home overdose reversal kits containing naloxone nasal spray. Call (937) 225-6026 for more information.