What is naloxone?
Naloxone, also known as narcan, is a temporary opioid overdose antidote that reverses the effects of opioids. It is not effective at treating overdoses related to benzodiazepines (such as Valium®, Xanax®, or Klonopin®) or other types of drugs (such as methamphetamine or cocaine). It cannot be abused, and giving naloxone to someone who is not overdosing on opioids will not hurt them. Naloxone is available in different versions, such as in a syringe or in a nasal spray.
Report an Overdose
How can I get naloxone?
Naloxone is a prescription medication. However, a Wyoming law (Wyoming §§ 35-4-901 through 35-5-906) allows pharmacists to prescribe naloxone to individuals. Anyone can go to a local pharmacy and ask about obtaining naloxone.
First responders may apply to receive grant funding for Narcan® Nasal Spray, currently the only FDA-approved intranasal naloxone. Agencies must obtain a standing order (a prescription from a provider for a group, not an individual) to purchase naloxone. For more information on obtaining a standing order, contact a local medical provider.
To get Narcan® Nasal Spray for your agency or organization through the Wyoming Department of Health, complete the application form. Once your application has been reviewed and funding is available, you will be contacted for more information.
Naloxone Funding Available for Groups
Where can I get trained to respond to an overdose?
Training first responders (firefighters, police officers, and EMTs) and bystanders (family, friends, and others) on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose is essential. Anyone who uses heroin or opioid medication, especially those who have never used or have not used in awhile, can be at risk of an overdose. Find out how you can save a life.
- EMTs – See the Office of Emergency Medical Services
- Law enforcement – Contact the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police
- Other First Responders and Bystanders – Get free online training at www.getnaloxonenow.org
To help us better understand the effectiveness of your training, please present the Opioid Overdose Post Training Survey to participants and email them to Lauren Gilbert at the University of Wyoming, Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC) at lauren.gilbert@uwyo.edu.
Get Free Online Naloxone Training
Overdose Prevention Funding Background
In 2016, the program was awarded the Grant to Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths (PDO) by SAMHSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This five-year grant includes distributing naloxone (opioid overdose antidote) across the state. Through the work of the PDO, combined with the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis, a grant awarded to the Mental Health and & Substance Use Treatment Services, the SAPP has formed the Opioid Abuse Response Council. Several subcommittees have been formed to address opioid overdose-related:
- prevention training & education
- naloxone distribution
- data
- treatment & recovery