Guidance in how to stop an overdose
Prevent an overdose with Antidote nasal spray
Learn how to spot and stop an overdose with Antidote’s online training. It’s free and only takes 5 minutes to complete.
You will learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose, and how to use the Antidote nasal spray. The training is delivered by Tina Leth, a volunteer nurse at Antidote Danmark who has used Antidote more than 60 times in practice.
How to do it:
- Watch the video
- Complete the quiz and register here here
- You will receive a certificate by email
Antidote is now available over the counter at your local pharmacy for 300 DKK for a pack of two Antidote nasal sprays.
Algorithm – guidance on managing an overdose
Antidote Danmark, in collaboration with the Danish Council for Resuscitation (Dansk Råd for Genoplivning), which sets the national standards for first aid in Denmark, has developed this guideline on how to respond to an overdose.
Q & A
Questions about Antidote
Why do some people have seizures from tramadol/Dolol?
Tramadol is a dual agonist, meaning it acts on two different systems in the brain. It affects both opioid receptors (pain) and the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline. Disruption of these systems can create an imbalance in brain signalling and lead to seizures.
In addition, many people take high doses of tramadol to achieve an euphoric effect, which both increases side effects and further disrupts neurotransmitter balance — thereby also increasing the risk of seizures.
Combining tramadol with other drugs or medications can further raise the risk of seizures.
Finally, seizures can also occur as a withdrawal symptom if someone has been using tramadol regularly and stops abruptly.
Are tramadol and opioids dangerous when mixed with antidepressants?
There is always a risk when mixing medicines and drugs, as each substance has its own effects and side effects that can interact — for example by intensifying both desired effects and adverse reactions. This is further complicated by the fact that many people obtain medicines or drugs online or on the street without knowing exactly what they contain.
Both opioids and certain types of antidepressants affect the central nervous system. When taken together, they can amplify this effect, increasing the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, reduced consciousness, and — most importantly — respiratory depression.
In addition, some substances can inhibit liver enzymes that normally break down opioids. This may lead to higher opioid concentrations in the body and therefore an increased risk of side effects.
Der findes kun få studier, men der er også en risiko for det såkaldte serotoninsyndrom Although there are only a few studies, there is also a risk of so-called serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening condition with symptoms such as confusion, tremors, sweating, fever, rapid heartbeat, and muscle rigidity. Some combinations of antidepressants and opioids may also cause heart rhythm disturbances.
For these reasons, it is important to think carefully before mixing medicines or drugs.
What happens after someone wakes up following Antidote use – psychologically and physically?
If someone has a regular opioid use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. The psychological symptoms can be difficult to describe, but a concrete example from a participant in an Antidote training course just two hours after an overdose illustrates this well: he described waking up surrounded by many people and not knowing whether he was being assaulted or what was happening.
The distress of not understanding what has happened is clearly a significant part of the experience of coming out of an overdose.
For this reason, it is a good idea to step one or two steps back after administering Antidote, giving the person space to regain orientation — and helping prevent any reactive or aggressive behaviour that may arise from confusion.
Antidote, Naloxone, Narcan – what’s the difference?
Antidote
At Antidote Danmark, we have chosen to call the nasal spray Antidote
There are many different antidotes for drugs and medications, and naloxone (also known under brand names such as Narcanti, Narcan, and Nyxoid) is one of them. There can be differences in dosage between products, even when they contain the same active substance.
Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioids in the case of an overdose.
Narcan
In the United States, naloxone nasal spray is commonly known as Narcan — this is simply a brand name chosen by the manufacturer.
Summary
Narcan and Antidote are both nasal sprays containing the same active ingredient: naloxone. They can both be used to treat opioid overdoses. The main differences lie in branding and dosage.
Are there side effects of Antidote?
Side effects of Antidote (Naloxone)
The most common side effect of Antidote (naloxone) is nausea, occurring in more than 10% of users.
In addition, 1–10% of users may experience side effects such as:
- palpitations
- vomiting
- dizziness
- headache
In people with regular opioid use, withdrawal symptoms may occur after naloxone has been administered.
Should you give Antidote if you are unsure whether it is a drug-related unconsciousness?
Opioid overdoses are not only related to substance use
Opioids are not only used recreationally or in cases of substance misuse, but are also prescribed as medical treatment. Because of this, it is not uncommon for people to accidentally receive too high a dose of medication, which can lead to an opioid overdose. Overdoses can therefore also occur among people who are in prescribed opioid treatment.
If an unconscious person shows signs of an overdose — such as very small pupils and bluish lips or fingertips — it may be appropriate to administer Antidote. However, in many cases it is important to also consider whether there may be other reasons for the person collapsing.
Remember: always inform emergency medical services that Antidote has been given — and approximately when it was administered.
Can Antidote be misused?
No, Antidote cannot produce a euphoric effect or make someone “high.” The substance naloxone has no psychoactive effects and therefore no potential for misuse on its own
Does the nasal spray get damaged by extreme temperatures?
Storage of the nasal spray (Antidote)
The nasal spray should not be frozen. Otherwise, there are no specific storage requirements stated in the product summary.
Remember to check the expiry date, and replace it through Antidote Danmark if your spray has expired.
What is the difference between opioids and opiates?
Opiates vs. opioids
Opiates are naturally occurring substances derived from the opium poppy — for example codeine and morphine.
Opioider Opioids is a broader term that includes all substances that act on opioid receptors in the brain. This includes:
- natural substances such as morphine and codeine (opiates)
- semi-synthetic and synthetic substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone
In other words: All opiates are opioids, but not all opioids are opiates, as some are synthetically produced.
Antidote box
We offer free wall-mounted storage for Antidote nasal spray to ensure safe and accessible placement. These are ideal for bars, clubs, shelters, and similar settings where staff have received training in overdose response. To request a box, please email: info@antidote.dk with the desired quantity and delivery details.
Information materials
We offer free information materials. You can download them directly from our downloads section. Alternatively, we can send them to you. Please email info@antidote.dk with your delivery details.