Final answer:
In cases of an opioid overdose, Naloxone (Narcan) should be administered along with BLS care. It's an opioid antagonist that can restore breathing and consciousness by blocking the effects of opioids.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you encounter an unresponsive victim and suspect an opioid overdose, the medication that should be given in addition to providing Basic Life Support (BLS) care/assessment is Naloxone (Narcan). Opioids, which include substances like opium, heroin, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, Vicodin, and methadone, can slow or stop a person's breathing, leading to potentially fatal overdoses. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids by blocking the opioid receptors, thereby restoring normal respiration in individuals experiencing an overdose. Although Naloxone has no effect on normal individuals, it can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals.
It is important to note that Naloxone has a short duration of action and typically must be administered via a parenteral route. Increasing access to this life-saving medication and integrating it with recovery services have been strategies in combating the opioid epidemic.
Additionally, caution is advised when opioids are prescribed alongside benzodiazepines, as their combined effects can lead to heightened risk of overdose. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan), are central nervous system depressants that can exacerbate the respiratory depression caused by opioids.