Should we conduct a trial of distributing naloxone to heroin users for peer administration to prevent fatal overdose?
by
Lenton SR, Hargreaves KM
National Drug Research Institute,
Curtin University, Perth, WA.
simon@ndri.curtin.edu.au
Med J Aust 2000 Sep; 173(5):260-3

ABSTRACT

Heroin overdose is a major cause of death among heroin users, and often occurs in the company of other users. However, sudden death after injection is rare, giving ample opportunity for intervention. Naloxone hydrochloride, an injectable opioid antagonist which reverses the respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension associated with opioids, has long been used to treat opioid overdose. Experts have suggested that, as part of a comprehensive overdose prevention strategy, naloxone should be provided to heroin users for peer administration after an overdose. A trial could be conducted to determine whether this intervention improves the management of overdose or results in a net increase in harm (by undermining existing prevention strategies, precipitating naloxone-related complications, or resulting in riskier heroin use).

Pain
Opioids
Arousal
Fentanyl
Tramadol
Tolerance
Nociceptin
Remifentanil
Endomorphins
Opiated worms
Kappa antagonism
Naloxone and mood
Naloxone: structure
Opioids and depression
Naloxone-precipated withdrawal
Depression, opioids and the HPA

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