CPR: A neglected but important part of fighting the opioid crisis

Opioid overdose is a frightening and potentially life-threatening event. Rescue drugs like naloxone are lifesaving, but the value of CPR doesn’t get as much attention. And it should. How does opioid overdose lead to death? Opioids (like oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl) bind to special receptors in the brain called mu receptors. These receptors are responsible for a variety of functions, most importantly breathing. When the mu receptor is stimulated by an opioid, it releases chemicals that work downstream on parts of the brain that tell the body to slow down breathing, or even stop it altogether. This respiratory depression or apnea, when breathing stops, is the primary cause of death in opioid overdose. Reversing the effects of opioid overdose Thankfully, there is an antidote that can help to reverse the effects of opioids and save lives. As highlighted by Dr. Scott Weiner in his post in May 2018, naloxone can be used to reverse the effects of opioids and help to restore breathing. As we learned, it does this by displacing the opioid from the mu receptor, which reestablishes the signal to breathe. Naloxone can be given by a variety of routes, including by nasal spray or by an injection. It is easy to use, works quickly, and has saved a lot of lives after an opioid overdose. But it can take several minutes for naloxone to work. On average, when delivered nasally it takes around two to five minutes for naloxone to take effect. In someone who isn’t breathing, those minutes a...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Addiction First Aid Health Source Type: blogs