Gibson D. Lewis Library Libguides
One Pill Kills
Signs of Overdose
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Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
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Face is extremely pale and/or feels cold or clammy to the touch
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Body goes limp
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Fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color
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Vomiting or making gurgling noises
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Cannot be awakened or unable to speak
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Breathing or heartbeat slows or stops
How to Save a Life
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Call 911 right away
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Try to wake the person up
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Give naloxone or Narcan, if available
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Begin rescue breathing or CPR
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Turn the person on their side to prevent choking
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Stay with the person until emergency services arrive
What is Naloxone or Narcan?
Naloxone or Narcan is a medication that can help counteract a fentanyl/opioid overdose.
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It is available at many Texas pharmacies without a prescription, as a nasal spray or injectable.
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Naloxone does not harm someone that has no opioids in their system, so it is best to err on the side of caution and administer it, if you suspect someone has overdosed.
- Most medical professionals and first responders carry and/or know how to administer naloxone.
Naloxone/Narcan Resources
- "Naloxone For Patients" Educational PacketA three-page handout for health providers with patients who may be at risk for opioid overdose.
Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables). There is a growing movement to make these strips free and legal in every state to help prevent fentanyl overdoses and deaths.
In April 2021, CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced federal funding could be used to purchase FTS.
Source: Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy (cdc.gov)