More than 165 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. In some like Ohio, the number of deaths due to opioids more than tripled between 2010 and 2015. Synthetic opioid overdoses are on the rise because they are so much stronger than natural opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (OxyContin) or hydrocodone (Lortab). They can be even stronger than natural opioids because they can be manufactured in laboratories instead of being produced by plants as with natural opioids. Read on for more information about synthetic opioid overdose prevention and how you can help save lives.
Tag: opioid addiction
How to Administer Narcan in the Event of an Overdose
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving nasal spray used to reverse overdoses caused by opioids. Narcan blocks opiates to the brain and restores air. Will not stop any other type of overdose other than opioid overdose. Narcan has become so instrumental fact that most states have implemented legislation requiring EMTs and first responders to carry it.
How Long Does Oxycodone Stay In Your System?
Oxycodone is an opiate commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. A naturally-occurring opiate alkaloid called thebaine is the building block of this semi-synthetic opiate drug. Marketed under the brand name OxyContin, Percodan, or Roxicet, oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II substance in the US Controlled Substances Act, which means it has a high potential for misuse, despite its medical purposes.