Fentanyl Awareness
Recognizing Fentanyl Overdose Signs — and How to Respond
Fentanyl is involved in the majority of overdose deaths in Georgia. Knowing the warning signs and how to act in the first few minutes can save a life. This guide is for families, friends, and bystanders who may need to respond fast.
In an emergency, call 911 right away.
If you suspect an overdose, don't wait. Call 911, give naloxone if you have it, and stay with the person until help arrives.
What fentanyl does to the body
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Even a tiny amount can overwhelm the part of the brain that controls breathing. During an overdose, breathing slows or stops, the body is starved of oxygen, and brain damage or death can follow within minutes. Because illicit fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs, many people don't know they've taken it.
Physical signs of a fentanyl overdose
An overdose can look like any combination of these warning signs:
- Slow, shallow, or completely stopped breathing
- Blue, gray, or purple lips, fingertips, or skin
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils
- Limp body and inability to stay awake
- Cold, clammy, or pale skin
- Choking, gurgling, or snoring-like sounds
- No response to your voice, shouting, or a firm sternum rub
When in doubt, treat it as an overdose. Naloxone is safe to give even if opioids aren't the cause.
What to do: an immediate action guide
- 1
Call 911 immediately
Tell the dispatcher you suspect an opioid overdose and give your exact location. Georgia's 911 Medical Amnesty Law protects you and the person from certain drug-possession charges when you call for help.
- 2
Give naloxone (Narcan)
Spray one dose of nasal naloxone into one nostril. It reverses opioid overdose and is harmless if opioids aren't present, so give it whenever you're unsure.
- 3
Support their breathing
If they aren't breathing, begin rescue breaths or CPR. Lay them on their side (recovery position) if you must step away to prevent choking.
- 4
Give another dose if needed
If there's no response after 2–3 minutes, give a second dose of naloxone. Fentanyl is strong and may require multiple doses.
- 5
Stay until help arrives
Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes and overdose symptoms can return. Stay with the person and keep monitoring their breathing.
How to get and use naloxone in Georgia
Naloxone (often sold as Narcan) is a safe, easy-to-use nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses. Under Georgia's statewide standing order, anyone can get naloxone at a participating pharmacy without a personal prescription, and many community organizations distribute it for free.
Using nasal naloxone
- 1. Lay the person on their back and tilt their head back.
- 2. Insert the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger firmly.
- 3. Start rescue breathing or CPR.
- 4. Give another dose every 2–3 minutes if there's no response.
- 5. Place them in the recovery position if you must leave their side.
Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty Law: people who seek medical help for an overdose are protected from certain drug-possession charges. Calling for help is always the right choice.
Put naloxone in more hands
Every donation helps Brendan's Friends distribute free naloxone, train families and bystanders, and reach more Georgians before the next overdose. Give directly on our secure giving page.
Important emergency contacts
- 911 — emergency medical help
- 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- 1-800-662-4357 — SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7)
Frequently asked questions
What does fentanyl do to your body?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that slows the brain's signals to breathe. In an overdose, breathing becomes shallow or stops entirely, oxygen to the brain drops, and without rapid intervention it can be fatal within minutes.
What are the side effects and signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Key signs include slow, shallow, or stopped breathing; blue or gray lips and fingertips; pinpoint pupils; limp body; cold or clammy skin; choking or gurgling sounds; and being unresponsive to voice or touch.
How do you use naloxone (Narcan) in Georgia?
Call 911, give one spray of nasal naloxone into one nostril, start rescue breathing or CPR, and give another dose every 2–3 minutes if there is no response. Georgia's standing order lets anyone get naloxone at a pharmacy without a personal prescription, and the 911 Medical Amnesty Law protects callers seeking help.
Help us save more lives
Brendan's Friends expands naloxone access, supports grieving families, and raises fentanyl awareness across Georgia. Your gift turns grief into action.
This guide is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In an emergency, always call 911.