Should I keep naloxone at home if we have opioids?

Ask your pharmacist. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and is available without a prescription at many pharmacies. If opioids are in your home, keeping it on hand and knowing how to use it can save a life.

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Opioid safety at home

Q: What is the most dangerous drug combination with opioids?

Opioids combined with benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Ativan, Valium), other sedatives, or alcohol can dangerously slow breathing and carries a boxed warning. Tell every prescriber about all of these.

By the RxSafeCheck team · Educational, reviewed for plain-language clarity · Morning Mind LLC

Opioid pain medicines can be an important part of treatment, and they carry real risks. A few safety steps protect you and everyone in your home.

Store them securely

Keep opioids in a locked box or cabinet, out of sight of children, visitors, and anyone at risk.
Never share opioids with anyone else.
Dispose of unused opioids promptly at a take-back site or pharmacy drop box.

The most dangerous combination

Opioids plus benzodiazepines (like alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam), other sedatives, or alcohol can dangerously slow breathing. This combination carries a boxed safety warning. Tell every prescriber about all of these.

Know about naloxone

Naloxone is a rescue medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. Many pharmacies provide it without a prescription. If opioids are in your home, ask whether you should keep naloxone on hand and learn how to use it.

Signs of an overdose

Very slow or stopped breathing.
Can't be woken; limp body.
Blue or gray lips or fingertips; pinpoint pupils.

Emergency: For a suspected overdose, call your local emergency number right away and give naloxone if available. In the U.S., Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

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Important: This article is educational and not medical advice. It does not replace your pharmacist or prescriber. Always confirm decisions about your medicines with a qualified professional, and call your local emergency number for emergencies. In the U.S., Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.