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Friend overdosed and Narcan took 3 doses. Is that normal?

Posted by duskwillow2214 on August 10, 2026

Original post

My friend overdosed at my place two nights ago and it took three doses of Narcan before he actually opened his eyes and started breathing normally on his own. Between each dose he would come around for a few seconds and then slip back under, which was terrifying to watch. I always assumed one shot was supposed to be enough. Is it normal for it to take that many doses, or does that mean something else was going on?

2 replies

  • graniteharbor09
    Something similar happened with my brother last year, it took two doses for him and he was groggy and confused for almost an hour afterward even once he was breathing fine. What helped us was writing down the time of each dose we gave so the paramedics had something to go on when they got there. I'd also say do not be surprised if he is irritable or feels sick once he is fully awake, that is a pretty normal reaction to naloxone kicking the opioid off so fast.
  • coastalpine1187Marked as the answer
    Three doses is not unusual at all, especially with how much fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are showing up in almost everything right now. Naloxone only blocks the opioid for a short window, usually somewhere around 30 to 90 minutes, so if the drug itself is stronger or longer acting than that, it can wear off before the person is fully out of danger and pull them back under. That is exactly why the advice is always to call 911 even after the first dose works, since paramedics can keep giving more and watch him for the hours after. It sounds like you did the right thing by staying with him and re-dosing instead of assuming he was fine after the first shot.

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