What Is Narcan and How Does It Save Lives?

Sevier County C.A.R.E.S
Aug 11
3 min read

If you live in Sevier County or anywhere in East Tennessee, there is one word that could save a life in your family: Narcan.

Narcan — the brand name for naloxone — is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It works fast, it is safe, it requires no medical training to use, and Sevier County C.A.R.E.S. provides it free to anyone in our community. Here is everything you need to know.

What Is Narcan (Naloxone)?

Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and restoring normal breathing within two to five minutes. It has been used by paramedics and emergency responders for decades, and as of 2023 it is available over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription.

Narcan is the most widely recognized brand name, but naloxone also comes under the brand name Kloxxado and as a generic. It is available as a nasal spray or an injectable.

How Does an Opioid Overdose Happen?

Opioids — including prescription pain medications, heroin, and fentanyl — work by binding to receptors in the brain that control breathing. In an overdose, opioids overwhelm these receptors and cause breathing to slow down or stop entirely. Without intervention, this leads to brain damage or death within minutes.

Naloxone works by temporarily pushing opioids off those receptors, allowing the person to breathe again. It does not get the person high and it does not treat addiction — it simply buys critical time until emergency help arrives.

How Do You Use Narcan Nasal Spray?

Using Narcan nasal spray requires no medical training. Here is how:

Step 1 — Call 911 first. Even if Narcan works, the person needs emergency medical evaluation. Call 911 before or immediately after administering Narcan.

Step 2 — Lay the person on their back. Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway.

Step 3 — Insert the nozzle. Place the tip of the Narcan nasal spray into one nostril.

Step 4 — Press the plunger. Push firmly to release the full dose into the nostril.

Step 5 — Wait and watch. If there is no response within two to three minutes, administer a second dose in the other nostril.

Step 6 — Recovery position. If the person begins breathing, roll them onto their side to prevent choking.

Step 7 — Stay until help arrives. Naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes — shorter than most opioids. The person may go back into overdose if emergency responders are not present.

Is Narcan Safe?

Yes. Naloxone has no effect on people who have not taken opioids. If you administer it to someone who turns out not to be overdosing on opioids, it will not harm them. There is no risk in giving it — only risk in not giving it.

The only side effect of naloxone in someone who has taken opioids is that it may cause sudden withdrawal symptoms — agitation, nausea, or discomfort. This is temporary and far preferable to the alternative.

Does Carrying Narcan Enable Drug Use?

No. Research consistently shows that Narcan availability does not increase drug use. What it does do is prevent death. Think of it the same way you think of a seatbelt, a smoke detector, or a fire extinguisher — it is a safety tool for emergencies you hope never happen.

How Do I Get Free Narcan in Sevier County?

Sevier County C.A.R.E.S. provides free Narcan kits and hands-on training through our Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist program. Training is available for individuals, families, schools, churches, workplaces, and community organizations — at no cost.

Call (865) 705-9617 or (865) 697-4506 to request a free kit or schedule training. You can also obtain naloxone over the counter at most major pharmacies in Tennessee without a prescription, including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.

Tennessee's Good Samaritan Law

If you witness an overdose and call 911, Tennessee's Good Samaritan Law provides protection from prosecution for drug possession. Do not let fear of legal consequences stop you from calling for help. The law exists specifically to encourage people to make that call.