What to Do After Using Naloxone: Post-Overdose Care and Next Steps

Why Post-Overdose Care Matters

Administering naloxone is a crucial first step in saving a life during an opioid overdose, but the care provided in the minutes, hours, and days after naloxone administration is just as important. Naloxone temporarily reverses opioid effects, but it does not address the underlying causes of overdose or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Understanding how to properly support someone post-overdose can make a lasting difference in their health, recovery, and future well-being.

In this guide, we cover:

● Immediate actions to take after administering naloxone

● How to manage withdrawal symptoms

● Long-term recovery options and harm reduction strategies

● Where to find ongoing support and treatment resources

 

Immediate Actions After Naloxone Administration

An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Even though naloxone kit can rapidly restore breathing, the individual is still at risk of complications, including re-overdose if opioids remain in their system. Following these steps after administering naloxone can help ensure the best possible outcome:

 

1. Call 911 Immediately

Even if the person starts breathing again and appears alert, professional medical help is still necessary. Naloxone’s effects are temporary, typically lasting between 30 to 90 minutes, while stronger opioids—especially fentanyl—can linger in the body much longer. This can result in a second overdose once naloxone wears off, requiring additional medical intervention. When calling 911:

● Clearly state that the person has experienced a suspected opioid overdose.

● Let responders know that naloxone has been administered and how many doses were given.

● If the individual regains consciousness, encourage them to stay still and wait for paramedics.

 

2. Monitor the Individual’s Condition

People who wake up after naloxone administration may be disoriented, agitated, or frightened. Some may experience immediate opioid withdrawal symptoms, which can be distressing but are not life-threatening. Common signs of withdrawal include:

● Nausea and vomiting

● Sweating and chills

● Muscle aches and restlessness

● Irritability or confusion

Keep the individual calm and continue monitoring their breathing. If they lose consciousness again, administer another dose of naloxone and continue rescue breathing until emergency help arrives.

 

3. Keep the Person Awake and Comfortable

Once the individual is revived, help them stay awake and in an upright position if possible. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths and offer small sips of water to ease discomfort. Do not force them to eat or drink if they feel nauseous.

Avoid leaving the person alone, as they may still be at risk of re-overdose. If they become aggressive or confused, remain patient—opioid withdrawal can cause anxiety and agitation.

 

4. Be Prepared to Administer a Second Dose

Stronger opioids, such as fentanyl and carfentanil, often require multiple naloxone doses to fully reverse an overdose. If the individual is still struggling to breathe or remains unresponsive after 2-3 minutes, administer another dose in the opposite nostril and continue monitoring their breathing.

 

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms After Naloxone

While naloxone is a life-saving medication, it can trigger sudden opioid withdrawal in dependent individuals. These symptoms are uncomfortable but not fatal. However, without proper care, withdrawal may drive the person to seek out opioids again, increasing the risk of a second overdose.

 

Common Withdrawal Symptoms Post-Naloxone

● Sweating, chills, and fever

● Intense nausea or vomiting

● Muscle cramps and body aches

● Anxiety, irritability, or confusion

● Runny nose and excessive yawning

 

How to Provide Comfort During Withdrawal

● Offer fluids (water, electrolyte drinks) to prevent dehydration.

● Keep the environment calm—loud noises and bright lights can make symptoms feel worse.

● Encourage slow breathing to help with nausea and restlessness.

● Do not judge or shame—this is a medical event, not a moral failing.

Encouraging the individual to seek medical assistance can provide symptom relief, as hospitals can offer supportive medications to ease withdrawal.

 

Long-Term Recovery and Support

Reversing an overdose is only the beginning. For many people, an overdose signals a critical turning point where access to treatment and harm reduction strategies can make a life-changing impact. Whether the individual is ready to pursue treatment or simply needs safer options, there are many resources available.

 

1. Connecting to Harm Reduction Services

Harm reduction programs provide nonjudgmental support to help individuals reduce overdose risks, regardless of whether they seek treatment. These services include:

●     Syringe exchange programs

●     Safe-use education and fentanyl test strips

●     Free naloxone distribution

 

2. Seeking Addiction Treatment

For those interested in long-term recovery, there are different treatment options available, including:

● Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Uses buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

● Detox and inpatient rehab – Supervised medical detox programs provide structured support.

● Outpatient counseling and peer support groups – Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery offer group-based support.

 

3. Supporting Friends and Family in Recovery

Friends and family play a critical role in supporting recovery after an overdose. Here’s how you can help:

● Avoid stigma – Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing.

● Encourage but don’t pressure – Some individuals may not be ready for treatment right away.

● Be prepared – Keep a naloxone kit in an accessible naloxone carrying case to prevent future overdoses.

 

Final Thoughts: Why Post-Overdose Care Is Just as Important as Naloxone

Saving a life with naloxone is only the first step. Providing calm, compassionate care immediately after an overdose can prevent re-overdose, ease withdrawal distress, and connect individuals to long-term recovery resources. Understanding what happens after naloxone administration ensures that life-saving interventions extend beyond the emergency itself.

If you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose, carrying naloxone in a naloxone keychain case or naloxone carrying pouch ensures it’s always accessible. Being prepared and informed can save lives and support recovery—because every life is worth saving.

Get your naloxone kit today and be ready to take action when it matters most.