Naloxone

During the 2024 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 395, commonly referred to as Wesley’s Law, which is effective as of July 1, 2024. Wesley’s Law authorizes the possession of medications that block the effects of opioids, also known naloxone, in all qualified government buildings and courthouses, including school property. Naloxone is a medication that temporarily stops the effects of opioids and helps a person resume breathing after an opioid overdose. Additionally, the bill requires local school systems to acquire and maintain a supply of this lifesaving medication, which is vital to saving lives in state buildings, specifically Georgia schools.

DPH has developed an Implementation Policy for SB 395 to better define the learning topics of naloxone training.

DPH has developed a general community training for administering naloxone.

DBHDD Opioid Response Resources and Training - opioidresponse.info

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication that temporarily stops the effects of opioids and helps a person resume breathing after an opioid overdose.  Naloxone is sold under several brand names, dosages, and formulations (e.g., nasal spray, injectable).

Why is Naloxone Important?

Naloxone can help prevent drug overdoses. Fatal overdoses in Georgia have been increasing and are largely driven by the presence of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in the drug supply. In Georgia, from 2019 to 2022, drug overdose deaths increased by 76%, and fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased by 308%.

Non-fatal drug overdoses are also increasing in Georgia. From 2019 to 2022, emergency department visits and hospitalizations for drug overdoses increased 6%, from 24,682 to 26,062.

How Can I Get Naloxone?

Naloxone is now available as an over-the-counter medication at most major pharmacies for a fee. 

How Do I Use Naloxone?

Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on opioids or other drugs, so it’s always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing. If someone is not breathing and not responsive, follow these steps:

1. Try to wake them by speaking loudly, pinching, or rubbing your knuckles up and down the sternum (the bony part in the middle of the chest).
2. If you have naloxone, use it. Administer one dose every two minutes.
   • Injectable: Draw up the entire vial and inject into thigh muscle (must be muscled to work)
   • Nasal: Stick the device all the way up one nostril and click the plunger, make sure the device is inserted fully (medication will absorb through the sinuses)
3. Call 911, and explain someone is not responsive and not breathing.
4. Provide rescue breathing.
   • Get the person on their back, tip their head back to straighten the airway, pinch their nose, put your mouth over theirs, and form a seal, one breath every five seconds
5. When the person starts to breathe regularly on their own, roll them into a recovery position on their side.
6. Be gentle with them and yourself afterward!

Does Naloxone Cause Side Effects?

The use of naloxone can sometimes cause symptoms of opioid withdrawal but are not usually life-threatening. Common opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Feeling nervous, restless, or irritable
• Body aches
• Dizziness or weakness
• Diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea
• Fever, chills, or goosebumps
• Sneezing or runny nose in the absence of a cold

Medical Amnesty

Georgia has a Medical Amnesty Law, which provides limited immunity to those seeking medical attention for themselves or someone else. This immunity covers: 

• Possession of certain drugs or drug paraphernalia 
• Violation of probation, parole, and other violations 
• Illegal possession and consumption of alcohol 

This law also provides civil and criminal immunity for the possession and administration of Naloxone.

Page last updated 6/25/2024