Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Naloxone.
Non-opioid overdoses: Naloxone does not reduce the effects of an overdose caused by other medications such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, stimulants, alcohol, or other sedatives. Giving Naloxone to a person who is unconscious due to a non-opioid overdose is not likely to cause them more harm.
Opioid dependence: When given to a person who has been using opioids for a long time, naloxone may cause withdrawal symptoms similar to stopping the opioid suddenly. These symptoms can include body aches, diarrhea, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, runny nose, sneezing, goose bumps, shaking, shivering, nausea, stomach cramps, fast or irregular heart rate, Fever, sweating, increased blood pressure, and possible seizures.
Rebound opioid toxicity: The effects of naloxone are shorter than the effects of opioids. As a result, symptoms of overdose may reappear when naloxone wears off. Additional doses of naloxone may be required.
Recent surgery: Naloxone should be used with caution in someone who has had recent surgery. Side effects such as blood pressure changes, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, fluid build-up in the lungs and Heart Attack have been reported.
Pregnancy: The effects of naloxone on a developing baby are unknown. Naloxone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if naloxone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Naloxone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.