Essentials - Prescribing Naloxone to Patients for Overdose Reversal-Event Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video, presented by Dr. Julie Kmik, an addiction psychiatrist at the University of Pittsburgh, discusses the prescribing of naloxone to patients for overdose reversal. Dr. Kmik provides an overview of the opioid epidemic, highlighting the significant increase in opioid prescriptions in the United States. She discusses the factors that contributed to the rise in opioid prescriptions, including the consensus statement from the American Pain Society and the introduction of OxyContin by Purdue Pharma. Dr. Kmik also explores the link between opioid prescribing and the overdose epidemic, and describes the basic pharmacology of naloxone. She presents studies demonstrating the efficacy of naloxone in reversing opioid overdoses, and discusses the different forms of naloxone available for bystander reversal, including intranasal spray, intramuscular injection, and auto-injector. Dr. Kmik also addresses concerns about providing naloxone, such as the fear that it may encourage more risky substance use, but presents evidence to the contrary. She emphasizes the importance of educating patients about overdose recognition and response, and outlines the process for prescribing naloxone, including specific instructions for different formulations. Dr. Kmik concludes by discussing overdose prevention programs, naloxone access laws, and common issues regarding naloxone, such as cost and storage. Overall, the video aims to increase understanding of naloxone and its role in combating the opioid overdose epidemic.

Keywords

naloxone

overdose reversal

opioid epidemic

opioid prescriptions

pharmacology of naloxone

efficacy of naloxone

bystander reversal

educating patients

prescribing naloxone

overdose prevention programs