What is Narcan primarily used for?

Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is primarily used for the treatment of opioid overdoses. It is an opioid antagonist, which means it binds to the same receptors in the brain that opioids do but without activating them, effectively reversing the effects of opioid overdose. This can restore normal breathing in an individual who has stopped breathing or is experiencing severe respiratory depression due to opioid use.

In the context of the other options, it's important to clarify that Narcan is not used for pain relief, as it does not have analgesic properties. Additionally, while it does not directly treat anxiety, opioids are sometimes prescribed for anxiety management, but Narcan isn't indicated for that purpose. Lastly, Narcan does not play a role in respiratory therapy, which typically involves medications and treatments designed to improve respiratory function rather than counteracting the effects of drugs. Therefore, the primary and established use of Narcan is indeed for reversing opioid overdoses, making it a critical tool in emergency situations involving opioid misuse.