Overdose prevention

Start with Naloxone (brand name is Narcan).

If you or someone you know uses opioids in any form, keep naloxone somewhere easy to grab. Seconds matter. Naloxone is not harmful if accidentally taken or if no opioids are present in the person’s body.

Any resident of Pennsylvania can legally purchase naloxone at any pharmacy. You can also get it by contacting Prevention Point Pittsburgh.

What an overdose looks like and what to do if it happens

Symptoms

  • Unconscious or unresponsive
  • Gasping, snoring not breathing
  • Shallow breathing
  • Blue lips and fingertips
  • Clammy skin

Call 911 Immediately

Let the operator know what types of drugs could have caused the overdose.

Administer Narcan to Temporarily Block the Effects of Opioids.

  • Tilt the person’s head back and insert the spray into one nostril (for injectable Narcan, empty dispenser into upper arm or thigh).
  • Push once firmly
  • Remove the spray and watch them closely
  • Turn them on their side so as not to block their airway

If there is no change in the person within three minutes, administer a second dose.

More Resources

The Addiction Medicine Center at Western Psych  – Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol and outpatient medical detox
412-692-2273

AHN Center for Inclusion Health – Suboxone, Vivitrol and care team services
412-359-4644

Gateway – Suboxone, Vivitrol and peer recovery services
412-604-8900 ext. 1191

Jade Wellness – Suboxone, Vivitrol and peer recovery services
412-380-0100

Latterman Family Health Center – Sublocade, Suboxone and Vivitrol
412-496-4330

Magee Women’s Hospital of UPMC – Pregnant & Non Pregnant women’s Suboxone and Vivitrol services
412-641-1211

Northside Christian Health Center (Federally-qualified health center) – Suboxone recovery support services
412-321-4001

Squirrel Hill Health Center (Federally-qualified health center) – Suboxone services
412-422-7442

Tadiso, Inc. – Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol and case management services
412-322-8415

UPMC IM-REP – Suboxone, Sublocade, Vivitrol and peer recovery support services
412-232-6275