Substance Use: Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug like fentanyl, heroin, or prescription pain medications. When given during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing.
Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only one important function: to stop overdose death by reversing the effects of opioids. Naloxone is a safe, non-controlled drug and has no potential for misuse.
If naloxone is given to a person who is not going through an opioid overdose, it is harmless. If naloxone is given to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening.
Naloxone is widely available in Wisconsin. It is available as a nasal spray or an injection.
The use of other opioid overdose reversal medications is not recommended. See our statement on long-acting, high-dose opioid overdose medication.
It’s dangerous to take opioids when you are alone. If a trusted family member or friend is around and alert, they can look for the signs of an opioid overdose and administer naloxone if needed. If a trusted family member or friend is not available, call Never Use Alone or SafeSpot.
Find free naloxone
Naloxone is available for free through staff at agencies that provide health and human services as well as in vending machines and boxes in public places.
Use this map to find where you can get naloxone for free.
- View the map of all locations with free naloxone in full screen format.
- View a spreadsheet of all locations with free naloxone (Excel).
Wisconsin residents can receive free naloxone by mail through NEXT Distro. Submit a request for naloxone to be shipped to you at no cost.
Report concerns about the map of locations offering free naloxone to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
The map of locations offering free naloxone is for people seeking to get naloxone for individual use. Agencies and organizations seeking to obtain naloxone for community distribution should contact dhsdctsnaloxonedirect@dhs.wisconsin.gov learn about their options.
Find pharmacies providing naloxone without a prescription
Naloxone is available for a fee and without a prescription through pharmacists at many pharmacies under a statewide standing order. Many pharmacy benefit plans partially cover the cost of naloxone obtained through a pharmacist.
Use this map to find where you can get naloxone for a fee without a prescription through a pharmacist under a statewide standing order.
- View the map of all pharmacies offering naloxone under a standing order.
- View a spreadsheet of all pharmacies offering naloxone under a standing order (Excel).
Report concerns about this map of pharmacies participating in the statewide naloxone standing order for pharmacists to dhsopioids@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Naloxone also is available for purchase over-the-counter without a prescription at many stores, including CVS, Pick 'n Save, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart.
How to give someone naloxone
Select an option to see instructions on how to use nasal naloxone or injection naloxone.
Nasal naloxone is simple to use. Each device contains one dose.
- Call 911 and follow the operator's instructions.
- Place the tip of the nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the nose.
- Press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
- Give rescue breaths.
Nasal naloxone usually starts working within a few minutes and lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. More than one dose is sometimes needed. If there is no response after two to three minutes, give a second dose in the other nostril.
Learn more about nasal naloxone
Signs of an Overdose/How to Administer Nasal Naloxone, P-03094 (wallet card)
This wallet card from our Dose of Reality campaign provides an overview of the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer nasal naloxone. It is available in English, Hmong, and Spanish.
Watch the following video from our Dose of Reality campaign to learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to use NARCAN® (a common brand of nasal naloxone) to save a life.
Injection naloxone is easy to use.
- Call 911 and follow the operator's instructions.
- Pop off the flip top from the naloxone vial.
- Insert the needle into the vial and draw up 1cc into the syringe.
- Inject the needle straight into muscle (through clothes, if necessary) on the shoulder, thigh, or upper outer part of the buttocks, and then push in plunger.
- Give rescue breaths.
Injection naloxone usually starts working within a few minutes and lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. More than one dose of injection naloxone is sometimes needed. If there is no response after two to three minutes, give a second dose of injection naloxone.
Talk about naloxone
If you have concerns about a loved one taking a prescription opioid or using drugs commonly mixed with fentanyl, like heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, here are some tips on having a conversation about naloxone.
- Ask what they know about naloxone. Simply starting the conversation shows that you care and can be a source of support.
- Make it clear that their safety is your main priority. Naloxone can save their life—or a loved one’s—by quickly and safely reversing an opioid overdose.
- Share that naloxone is for anyone who uses opioids and other substances that are commonly mixed with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids. Naloxone is effective for any opioid overdose, including prescription pain reliever, heroin, and fentanyl overdoses.
- Meet them where they’re at. They may be struggling, so offer your support by listening and giving them your undivided attention. Let them know they’re important to you. That’s why preparing for an emergency by carrying naloxone is so important.
- Know the real facts about naloxone and help call out misinformation. They should know that carrying naloxone won’t get them in trouble.
- Emphasize that carrying naloxone is normal and responsible. Point out that many doctors and pharmacists recommend providing naloxone with every opioid prescription. This can help reduce a potential fear of judgment.
- Offer to help them get naloxone. Naloxone can be purchased without a prescription at a pharmacy and at no cost from many organizations throughout the state. Find out where you can get naloxone above.
- Remind them that should tell others around them that they have naloxone and where to find it when using substances. After all, naloxone cannot be self-administered.
- Encourage them to keep multiple doses of naloxone on hand. Sometimes it takes more than one dose to reverse an overdose.
Promote the importance of carrying naloxone: Visit the Dose of Reality: Partner Resources section for flyers, posters, and social media posts, as well as audio and video advertisements.