# What should I do if a person regains consciousness after Naloxone but still appears ill? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-person-recovers-consciousness-after-naloxone-but-still-seems-ill-opioid-overdose Language: en Category: first_aid Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.169Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.169Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-to-do-if-person-recovers-consciousness-after-naloxone-but-still-seems-ill-opioid-overdose If a person regains consciousness after being given Naloxone but still appears ill, it is essential to seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911 or your local emergency number. Naloxone is a safe medication that can quickly stop an opioid overdose, but it works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body and its effects may not last long enough, which requires ongoing medical care [\[1\]](). ## Why might a person remain ill after Naloxone? Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, reversing the slowed or stopped breathing that typically occurs in overdose situations [\[1\]](). However, the duration of the opioid's effect in the person's body may be longer than the duration of the Naloxone's effect [\[1\]](). This means the Naloxone effect may wear off before all opioids have been cleared from the body, which can lead to the return of overdose symptoms [\[1\]](). Signs that may indicate a person is still ill or that the Naloxone effect is wearing off include: pinpoint pupils, sleepiness or loss of consciousness, slow or shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, vomiting, limp body, pale, blue or cold skin, weak heartbeat, and purple lips and fingernails [\[1\]](). ## Immediate steps after partial recovery of consciousness Even if the person regains consciousness partially, they must not be left alone [\[2\]](). After calling emergency services, try to keep the person awake and breathing [\[1\]](). If the person is able to respond, talk to them and try to keep them alert. If the person is unconscious or still having difficulty breathing, place them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit [\[1\]](). The person may need an additional dose of Naloxone if overdose symptoms return or they do not fully improve [\[1\]](). It is important to read the product instructions and check the expiration date before administering it [\[1\]](). Remember that Naloxone will not harm the person if they have taken other non-opioid drugs, so it is best to use it if you suspect an overdose [\[1\]](). ## Ongoing medical care and follow-up The person must remain under medical observation until paramedics arrive [\[1\]](). Paramedics will be able to assess the person's condition and determine if additional doses of Naloxone or other treatments are needed [\[1\]](). It is important that the person receives professional medical care after any opioid overdose, even if they seem to have recovered fully after Naloxone, because there is a risk of another overdose occurring [\[2\]](). After receiving emergency care, the person may need medical follow-up to assess their general health status and discuss treatment options if they suffer from opioid use disorder [\[2\]](). This follow-up can help prevent future overdoses and provide necessary support [\[2\]](). For more information on danger signs and first aid for opioid overdose, you can visit [Opioid Overdose: Danger Signs and First Aid with Naloxone (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Opioid Overdose]() - [Preventing Opioid Overdose]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-person-recovers-consciousness-after-naloxone-but-still-seems-ill-opioid-overdose#answer