What is the purpose of administering naloxone when dealing with a potential opioid overdose?

The purpose of administering naloxone when dealing with a potential opioid overdose is to rapidly reverse the effects of the opioid drugs and restore normal breathing. Opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers, work by binding to receptors in the brain and slowing down the central nervous system, which controls breathing and heart rate. In an overdose, opioids can cause breathing to become dangerously slow or stop altogether, ....