Does Narcan Work on Meth?

In short, no, Narcan doesn’t reverse a meth overdose. So, why is this the case? And what else should you know?

What Is Narcan?

Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, a medication specifically designed to reverse opioid overdoses. Opioids include drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine. When someone overdoses on an opioid, their breathing can slow to the point where it stops entirely. 

Narcan works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain, stopping any opioid’s effects. In fact, it acts quickly, is widely available, and has saved an enormous number of lives.

Why Doesn’t Narcan Work on Meth?

Meth and opioids affect your body in completely different ways. Opioids are depressants; they slow the central nervous system down, which is why an overdose can cause someone to stop breathing. 

In contrast, meth is a stimulant. It speeds everything up, including your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and brain activity. 

Since Narcan only works by blocking opioid receptors, it has no mechanism to counteract what meth is doing. 

And as of right now, there is no FDA-approved medication that can reverse a meth overdose the way Narcan reverses an opioid overdose. This can be difficult to hear, especially if you’re worried about someone. But knowing this is the first step toward understanding what actually can help.

Why You Should Still Use Narcan in a Meth Emergency

Even though Narcan doesn’t treat a meth overdose directly, it may still play a role in saving someone’s life during one.

Today’s meth supply is increasingly contaminated with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. In many cases, the person using meth has no idea fentanyl is present. Polysubstance use (using meth alongside opioids, whether intentionally or not) has also become more common and is a growing contributor to overdose deaths. If someone collapses and you’re not sure exactly what they took, administering Narcan is still the right call. It will not cause any harm if there are no opioids in their system. But if fentanyl is involved, even unknowingly, it could be the thing that keeps them alive until help arrives.

What Does a Meth Overdose Look Like?

A meth overdose looks very different from an opioid overdose. Instead of slowing down, the body goes into overdrive. Signs may include:

• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• A dangerously high body temperature
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Extreme agitation or paranoia
• Difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness

In severe cases, a meth overdose can lead to stroke, heart attack, or organ failure.

If you notice any of these signs in someone who has been using meth, call 911 right away. This is a medical emergency, and the person needs professional care as quickly as possible. While waiting for help to arrive, stay with them, keep them as calm as you can, and help cool their body temperature (such as using a cool cloth if available).

Getting Help Before It Gets to That Point

An overdose is a crisis, but it doesn’t have to be the turning point. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to seek out help. And help is closer than you think!

Treatment for meth addiction typically starts with medically supervised detox, followed by therapy that addresses both the physical hold of the drug and the underlying reasons behind the use. For many people, that includes dual diagnosis care for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.

At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our team is here to help guide you toward recovery. You don’t have to wait for a worst-case scenario to reach out. Call 804-635-3746 today! We’re here when you’re ready; our phone lines are open 24/7.