What is the treatment for opioid overdose?

Naloxone is the treatment of choice for opioid overdose because it is a specific opioid antagonist that works by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. When someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, their respiratory function can slow or even stop, leading to potentially fatal outcomes. Naloxone quickly displaces the opioids from the receptors, reversing the effects of the overdose, particularly respiratory depression.

The rapid action of naloxone can restore normal breathing and consciousness, making it an essential rescue medication in emergency situations. It can be administered intranasally or intramuscularly, allowing for quick access and use by first responders or bystanders until more comprehensive medical care can be provided.

Other treatments mentioned do not address opioid overdose specifically. For instance, flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist, acetylcysteine is used primarily for acetaminophen overdose, and atropine is used to treat bradycardia or certain types of poisoning but does not counteract the effects of opioids. Thus, naloxone is unique in its effectiveness for reversing the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose.