Pain Reliever Demerol Acts Quickly, Resembles Morphine
Posted on September 2, 2010Demerol is a common pain-relieving drug because it acts quickly – but like other narcotic drugs for pain relief, it should be administered carefully because it can become addictive, especially for people with prior problems with substance abuse.
Administered intravenously, by mouth or liquid, Demerol is a synthetic drug commonly used during childbirth and before or during certain surgeries. Formally known as meperidine hydrocholoride, Demerol dulls the pain centers of the brain. Side effects range from tremors and clammy skin to muscle weakness, reduced heart rate and a sense of confusion. It may also cause dizziness, skin itching, headache or vomiting.
Like other habit-forming narcotic drugs, Demerol is not new on the market. It emerged nearly 80 years ago, during the 1930s, and was first intended for muscle cramps or spasms. A street name for Demerol is “demmies,” and the drug is popular for its sedation properties and similarity to morphine.
When used for illegal purposes, the drug can be injected, taken as a pill or breathed in through the nose. Demerol may have gained new attention in 2009, when an ABC News article reported that the late superstar Michael Jackson had a longtime addiction to the drug, as stated by Jackson’s previous video producer.
The sedative and pain-relieving capabilities of Demerol set in quickly, in as little as 10 minutes after a dose is taken. A feeling of euphoria can also occur because the drug can activate areas of the brain responsible for pleasure. Adding to the addictive nature of Demerol is its relative low cost on the street – sometimes as little as $3 to $6.
One significant side effect of Demerol is a slowed respiratory system, which can occur with cardiac arrest or shock. An overdose may cause muscle weakness, problems with breathing, significant drowsiness and a drop in heart rate. An overdose of Demerol can also bring on a coma or fainting.
If alcohol is consumed while taking Demerol, serious side effects or death can occur. People who already have seizures or convulsive disorders are not recommended to take Demerol, and it should be given under very careful observation to elderly people.
Not only are the pleasurable effects of Demerol similar to morphine, so is its addictive nature. Marked tiredness and depression can be experienced by patients during withdrawal. A gradual tapering of the drug is recommended rather than an abrupt stoppage.
Patients addicted to Demerol may have strong urges for the drug, will need to keep raising their dosage amounts and will show signs of withdrawal when it is discontinued. Tolerance is also a factor in Demerol consumption, as patients will need more and more to receive favorable responses. The severity of withdrawal from Demerol is connected with the person’s level of usage, and the physical withdrawal period can last as long as ten days.
A detoxification clinic is recommended for Demerol recovery, especially one that combines doctor supervision with cognitive therapy.
