Understanding the Side Effects of Narcan Use in Non-Drug Users: What You Need to Know

At Shoen Safety & Training, we are committed to providing crucial safety training and resources for businesses and individuals, especially in emergency response situations. Our families have been positively affected by the level of preparedness we maintain as individuals, and we want that resource in every home! With the increasing opioid epidemic, Narcan (naloxone) has become an essential tool in reversing opioid overdoses. However, its use is not without potential side effects, especially when administered to individuals who are not opioid users.

In this post, we’ll dive into the role of Narcan, its side effects when used on non-drug patients, and why it’s important for businesses and communities to be well-informed about this life-saving medication.

What is Narcan (Naloxone)?

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication designed to reverse opioid overdoses by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, effectively “displacing” the opioid and reversing its life-threatening effects. Narcan gives opioids the boot if you will. Narcan is typically administered in emergency situations, either through a nasal spray or injection, and can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses within minutes.

While Narcan is generally safe and well-tolerated, its administration in individuals who have not used opioids or other related substances can lead to a different set of reactions. These reactions are typically mild but should be understood, especially in workplaces where first responders or trained individuals might be using Narcan in emergency situations.

How Does Narcan Work?

Narcan works by temporarily reversing the effects of opioid toxicity. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain that control breathing and consciousness. When too much of an opioid is consumed, it can lead to respiratory depression, coma, or even death. Narcan works quickly to counteract this by blocking those receptors, reversing the respiratory depression and bringing the individual back to consciousness.

It is important to note that Narcan only works on opioid overdoses and is ineffective for other types of medical emergencies. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing but has not taken opioids, Narcan will not help and proper emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately.

Side Effects of Narcan in Non-Drug Users

While Narcan is a life-saving medication for individuals experiencing an opioid overdose, it can cause side effects when administered to non-drug users or individuals who are not suffering from an opioid overdose. I have this question every CPR/AED/First Aid course I teach! Let’s dive in. These side effects occur because Narcan acts by quickly reversing the effects of opioids in the brain, but it does not discriminate between someone who is overdosing and someone who simply has opioid receptors.

Here are some common side effects that may occur when Narcan is administered to non-drug users:

1. Withdrawal Symptoms
   • Narcan essentially “flips the switch” on opioid receptors, which can lead to acute withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are not opioid users. These symptoms can include:
     • Nausea or vomiting
     • Sweating
     • Irritability or agitation
     • Muscle pain or stiffness
     • Increased heart rate or blood pressure
     • Anxiety or panic attacks
   • While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they are generally short-lived and fade once the Narcan wears off. Not to worry, keep folks comfortable and safe by monitoring breathing.
2. Increased Heart Rate (Tachycardia)
   • Narcan may increase heart rate in individuals who are not opioid-dependent. The sudden reversal of opioid effects can cause a stress response, which may lead to tachycardia (rapid heart rate). For those with pre-existing heart conditions, this can potentially be dangerous. Keep that AED on hand and always be prepared to perform CPR!
3. Elevated Blood Pressure
   • As a side effect of reversing opioid-induced depression, Narcan can cause an increase in blood pressure. This effect may be more pronounced in individuals who are already dealing with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions. Monitor for consciousness and breathing while keeping them comfortable till emergency responders arrive.
4. Seizures (Rare)
   • While very rare, some individuals may experience seizures after receiving Narcan. This could occur in individuals with underlying neurological conditions or those who are particularly sensitive to sudden changes in brain chemistry. Remember, seizures ARE NOT FATAL! Mind that there is no excessive bleeding or loss of breath that , may need your attention.
5. Dizziness or Confusion
   • For non-drug users, the brain’s sudden shift in neurochemistry can lead to temporary confusion, dizziness, or disorientation. This may be especially problematic for elderly individuals or those with cognitive impairments.
6. Agitation or Aggression
   • In some cases, people who are not opioid users may experience confusion or agitation after receiving Narcan, especially if they were unconscious or unresponsive when Narcan was administered. The sudden reversal of the opioid effect can cause a disorienting experience. Be mindful to give space when administering Narcan, you are the most important part of every situation. Stay safe.
7. Pain or Cramping
   • Narcan’s action on the opioid receptors can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms, which may manifest as physical pain or muscle cramping. While this is less common in non-drug users, it is still a possibility.

Why Understanding Narcan Side Effects Matters

For businesses, particularly those in high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, it is important to recognize the potential side effects of Narcan use—even for employees who do not use opioids.

Here are some reasons why understanding these side effects is critical:

1. Safety & Preparedness
   People trained in first aid and emergency response protocols should be aware that Narcan may cause side effects, especially in non-drug users. Understanding what to expect after administering Narcan can help mitigate potential panic or confusion. It is important to know that, while Narcan is safe, it may cause temporary discomfort or confusion in non-overdose patients.
2. Ensuring Proper Medical Assistance
   While Narcan can reverse opioid overdoses in minutes, it is important to remember that it is not a long-term solution. It wears off and another dose may be needed to bridge the gap between when emergency services were contacted and when they arrive on scene. Even after Narcan administration, the individual should be monitored closely, and emergency medical services should be called for further evaluation. We need to ensure that Narcan use does not replace proper medical care and monitoring.
3. Reducing Anxiety and Improving Confidence in Emergencies
   Knowledge of potential side effects can help reduce anxiety among those administering Narcan. Folks who are trained in Narcan use should be confident in their ability to handle side effects and be prepared to seek additional medical help if necessary.

Training and Awareness Save Lives

At Shoen Safety & Training, we aim to equip businesses and families with the tools they need to respond effectively in emergencies. While Narcan is an invaluable tool in saving lives during opioid overdoses, understanding its potential side effects—especially when administered to non-drug users—is crucial for safety.

By incorporating Narcan training into your safety programs, you can ensure that your team/family is well-prepared to handle emergency situations involving opioid overdoses. With proper training and awareness, we can help reduce the risks and provide the best possible care when every second counts.

If you are interested in learning more about Narcan training or emergency response protocols, contact us at Shoen Safety & Training today!

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
   • Website: www.cdc.gov
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
   • Website: www.nida.nih.gov
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
   • Website: www.samhsa.gov
4. American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
   • Website: www.acep.org
5. The National Library of Medicine (PubMed)
   • Website: www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6. World Health Organization (WHO)
   • Website: www.who.int
7. The Opioid Crisis: Naloxone Use and Side Effects
   • Example: Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (CDC)
8. Naloxone Product Information (FDA)
   • Website: www.fda.gov

Relevant Research and Literature:

• “Naloxone Use and Outcomes” (National Institutes of Health): This peer-reviewed study can help provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of naloxone and its potential effects on non-opioid users.
• “The Effects of Naloxone in Non-Opioid Dependent Patients” (Journal of Emergency Medicine): This study could provide in-depth insights into the side effects of Narcan use in individuals who are not opioid-dependent.