Substance use support

In 2025, 1046 people in Scotland died from a suspected drug overdose.

These high numbers are concerning and we need to work together to reduce them.

Together we can prevent drug deaths.

What is Naloxone? 

Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioids include both illicit drugs like heroin and Nitazenes and legal prescription medications such as methadone, morphine, and codeine. It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, allowing normal breathing and heart rate to resume.

Why use Naloxone? 

 A person may have multiple drugs in their body but reversing the effects of opioids with Naloxone can be the difference between life and death.

We should always suspect that opioids are involved since they are implicated in so many deaths (80% in Scotland). Naloxone buys a person time until an ambulance arrives, or they can be seen by a medical professional.  

Anyone in Scotland who is likely to find someone experiencing an overdose in their family, their community, their workplace or in a public place can request a Naloxone kit and be trained in its use.

Naloxone kits can come as either a pre-filled syringe or a nasal spray called Nyxoid. In the UK it is legal for anyone to administer Naloxone to anyone for the purpose of saving a life, regardless of whether or not they have had training.

What causes opiate an overdose? 

• an opioid overdose can occur in anyone using opioids by reducing the ability to breathe effectively
• many opioid overdoses are accidental
• the risk of overdose increases if the individual taking opioids has recently been in prison, hospital, has detoxed or the daily amount of drugs is reduced, or is mixed with other downers including alcohol

When should Naloxone be used?

Naloxone should be used when it is suspected that someone has had a drug overdose and they are unresponsive. They may also have other signs – shallow breathing, snoring, pale or ashen skin, blue lips, pinpoint pupils

How long does Naloxone last?

• Naloxone is short acting and buys you time until an ambulance arrives, lasting only 20 minutes to 40 minutes.
• It does not last as long as most opioids – a person may return to overdose state
• Close monitoring within a medical setting (e.g. hospital) is required for several hours after an overdose.

How is Naloxone given?

Naloxone is available to administer in two forms: an intramuscular injection (e.g., Prenoxad) and a nasal spray (e.g., Nyxoid). While anyone can legally use naloxone in an emergency, training is recommended to ensure correct administration.

Where can I get Naloxone? 

East Lothian Substance Use Service and MELDAP (Midlothian and East Lothian Drug and Alcohol Partnership) is actively engaging with community partnerships, GP practices and pharmacy groups to help to deliver, distribute and widen the coverage of Naloxone, both in its injectable (Prenoxad) and inter-nasal (Nyxoid) solutions.

Naloxone kits are available for free across Scotland, you do not need a prescription, naloxone kits can also be requested online from Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs.

Naloxone is available to anyone at the following Pharmacies:

• Right Medicine – 20 High Street Haddington
• Bankton Pharmacy – Hawthorn Road Prestonpans
• Eskside Pharmacy – 105 High Street Musselburgh

How do I arrange Naloxone Training for myself / my team?

Please contact MELDAP 

E: meldap@eastlothian.gov.uk