Naloxone (Narcan ®) is a medication designed to reverse opioid overdose rapidly. It binds to opioid receptors in the body—the same parts of the nervous system that opioid drugs target. When this happens, it can reverse and block the effects of other opioids. It can restore normal respiration very quickly to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.
The Department of Health facilitates naloxone (Narcan ®) availability and training in its use through a variety of public and private partnerships across the state.