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Narcotic agonists and antagonists, such as Narcan (naloxone), are specifically designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, which includes substances like fentanyl and other potent narcotics. These agents work by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids affect, effectively displacing them and reversing issues such as respiratory depression and sedation.

Narcotic agonists can lead to dangerous side effects when taken in excess, necessitating the need for a reversal agent like Narcan, which can rapidly restore normal breathing and consciousness in someone who has overdosed on opioids. Other types of substances, such as non-narcotic analgesics (like acetaminophen or NSAIDs) and over-the-counter medications, do not engage the same opioid receptors and therefore are not affected by narcotic antagonists. Anti-inflammatory drugs also fall into this category, as they do not function through the opioid system and would not be reversed by Narcan. This focus on opioid receptor interaction clarifies why only potent narcotics are reversible by these specific agents.