The KCHD team as a whole is committed to wellness and prevention. We work continuously to meet the needs of our community.
For example, we want to prevent loss of life due to the overdose of narcotic drugs. If you have the right counter medication and can get to the victim in time, you may save a life. That life could be a child's or a special needs person who accessed your bottle of narcotics prescribed to you after a surgery. The administration of Naloxone can save a life, so we offer a brief training on how to administer the drug and give you a free box of the medication to take with you. No appointment is necessary during regular business hours.
If you have ANY narcotic medication at home, you should consider including Naloxone in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit. Narcotics are prescription opioid medication that are used to treat moderate to severe pain and are commonly given after surgery.
These prescription-only medicines are available under several brand and generic names, including:
- OxyContin, Oxaydo (Oxycodone)
- Vicodin, Norco, Lortab (Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen—Tylenol)
- Percocet (Oxycodone with Acetaminophen)
- Tramadol
- Codeine
- MS-Contin (Morphine)
- Methadose (Methadone)
- Demerol (meperidine)
- Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)
- Actiq, Fentora (Fentanyl)
- Over time, the body gets used to these medications, and it requires more of the drug to achieve a
- painkilling effect. Taking too much of the drug—intentionally or unintentionally—can have serious
- health consequences, including death.
- Warning signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Shallow (or no) breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Cold or clammy skin
- Limp body
- Choking or vomiting
- Unresponsiveness
Overdoses can happen anytime and to anyone—even if it’s the person for whom the medication is prescribed. Accidents happen, too. Children might find a pill bottle that wasn’t completely closed and put what they think is candy in their mouth. It is also a common occurrence for people with substance use disorder (SUD).
Naloxone is an overdose-reversing medication for opioids. It saves lives by blocking the medication from opioid receptors in the body. It begins working in as little as two minutes.
Naloxone is now available over the counter in many local pharmacies. The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department has it available at no cost. Our staff will also train you how to safely administer Naloxone to
someone who is experiencing an overdose and answer questions you may have.
Again stop by any time during normal business hours to pick up a box. Each box contains two 4 mg doses of Naloxone nasal spray.
Before you give Naloxone to anyone you think is experiencing an overdose, call 911. Trained medical personnel will assist with whatever additional treatment the person in crisis may need. Giving Naloxone to someone who is not suffering from an opioid overdose will not harm them.