Final answer:
Naloxone (Narcan) is the medication administered to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing in individuals by blocking opioid receptors. It is critical to provide this medication quickly and seek immediate medical attention, as naloxone's effects may wear off before the opioids are fully out of the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opioids can severely depress the central nervous system, leading to decreased respiration or even stop breathing, which is a primary cause of death in opioid overdoses. Naloxone, an opiate antagonist, works by quickly reversing the effects of opioids, particularly the life-threatening respiratory depression. It restores normal breathing in individuals who have overdosed by binding to opiate receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, prescription pain relievers, and fentanyl. While naloxone is effective in counteracting an overdose, it may cause withdrawal symptoms in individuals dependent on narcotics.
It is imperative to provide naloxone as soon as possible and seek emergency medical care immediately after administration, as the duration of naloxone's effects is shorter than most opioids, and multiple doses may be necessary. The use of naloxone is a critical component in the fight against the opioid crisis, which has led to numerous deaths and a recognized state of emergency in terms of public health due to the addictive nature of opioid medications, including those prescribed for pain relief.