Overdose Prevention
Get Naloxone (Narcan) Free in Oklahoma
Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses. It is safe, effective, and available to anyone โ no prescription required in most states.
Naloxone Access in Oklahoma
Naloxone is available without a prescription at most Oklahoma pharmacies. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and local health departments distribute free naloxone kits. Several tribal health programs also carry naloxone.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and restoring normal breathing within 2โ5 minutes. It is safe to administer even if you are not sure an overdose is opioid-related โ it will not harm someone who has not taken opioids.
Naloxone is FDA-approved and has been available to emergency responders for decades. In recent years, it has been made widely available to the public in response to the opioid epidemic. It is now available over the counter at most U.S. pharmacies without a prescription.
Always Call 911 First
Naloxone is a bridge โ not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call 911 when someone is overdosing, even if you administer naloxone. The effects of naloxone wear off in 30โ90 minutes, and additional opioids may still be in the person's system.
How to Recognize an Opioid Overdose
- Unresponsive โ cannot be woken up
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing (fewer than one breath every 5 seconds)
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Blue or grayish lips, fingernails, or skin
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils
- Limp body, pale or clammy skin
If someone is unconscious and cannot be woken up, assume an overdose and act immediately.
How to Use Naloxone (Nasal Spray)
The most common form is a nasal spray (Narcan, Kloxxado). Here is how to use it:
- 1 Call 911 immediately
Tell them someone is unresponsive and possibly overdosing on opioids.
- 2 Lay the person on their back
Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway.
- 3 Administer naloxone
Insert the nozzle into one nostril. Press the plunger firmly to release the full dose. If you have a second dose and the person does not respond within 2โ3 minutes, give the second dose in the other nostril.
- 4 Place them in the recovery position
Turn them on their side to prevent choking on vomit while you wait for paramedics.
- 5 Stay until help arrives
Monitor their breathing. If they stop breathing, begin rescue breathing if you are trained. Good Samaritan laws protect you for staying.
- 6 Expect withdrawal
Naloxone can trigger sudden withdrawal symptoms. The person may wake up agitated, confused, or nauseous. Do not let them use more drugs โ the naloxone may wear off before the opioids do.
Where to Get Naloxone in Oklahoma
Pharmacies
Most major pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid) carry naloxone over the counter in Oklahoma without a prescription. Ask the pharmacist directly โ it is kept behind the counter.
Local Health Departments
County and local health departments often distribute free naloxone kits, especially in areas with high overdose rates. Contact your county health department to ask about free distribution programs.
Harm Reduction Programs
Syringe service programs and harm reduction organizations typically carry naloxone and provide it free with training. These programs operate without judgment.
Community Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide naloxone to patients and often to community members at no cost. Find your nearest FQHC through HRSA's Health Center Finder.
About This Information
Naloxone access information is based on data from the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System (PDAPS) and state health department resources. Pharmacy availability varies by location โ call ahead or ask at the pharmacy counter to confirm.
After an Overdose โ Getting Treatment
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency and a serious warning sign that someone needs help. Naloxone saves lives in the moment โ but treatment saves them long-term.
If you or someone you love has experienced an overdose, our counselors are here to help find the right treatment in Oklahoma. We can help with same-day detox referrals, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and long-term recovery planning.
Ready to Find Treatment?
Our counselors are available 24/7 to connect you with detox, MAT, and addiction treatment in Oklahoma.
Call (502) 547-0480 โ Free & ConfidentialAlso see: Good Samaritan law in Oklahoma