Demerol Overdose
Demerol, also known as the generic drug meperidine, is a narcotic prescription painkiller or opioid-based drug that is prescribed to treat intense pain.
The possible side effects of Demerol are many, including stomach cramps, overwhelming fatigue, a general feeling of mental dullness, and constipation. However, anyone who takes Demerol for any length of time will definitely experience one particularly lethal side effect: addiction. For those who are addicted to Demerol, an overdose is always an imminent possibility.
At Meditox, we don't believe that you need to live in fear of your prescription. By choosing a Demerol detox, you can break your addiction to the drug and remove any worries that you or anyone else in the house may inadvertently take too many prescription pills and overdose.
What are the Signs of a Demerol Overdose?
There are a number of telltale symptoms that attest to a possible Demerol overdose. You may have cold and clammy skin, difficulty breathing or an inability to take deep breaths, a slowed heartbeat, a pounding headache. You will most likely be struggling to stay awake as well. In someone else, you may notice a blue tint to their lips, nails and skin; a weak heartbeat; and limp muscles in addition to the above symptoms. If they are unconscious and you cannot wake them or if they are not breathing and you can't find a pulse and you know that they have been taking Demerol, an overdose is most likely the cause.
What Do I Do in the Event of a Demerol Overdose?
If you fear that you are experiencing a Demerol overdose, you can call the National Poison Control Center toll free at 1-800-222-1222. If you are struggling to stay awake, and you are concerned that you may black out, then call 911 immediately. Whether you call 911 for yourself or someone else, the operator will ask you a number of questions including what drugs were taken, how much and when. They will also want to know details about the person suffering from the overdose like their age, weight, and the symptoms that they are currently experiencing or exhibiting. Give the Demerol pill bottle to the paramedics when they arrive to help the emergency room doctors decide upon an appropriate treatment.
How is a Demerol Overdose Treated?
When paramedics arrive, they will first stabilize the overdose victim, making sure that he or she is breathing properly and that a heartbeat is present. In the most severe cases, they may immediately administer a dose of naloxone to abruptly halt the effects of Demerol in the body. At the hospital, a dose of charcoal or laxative may be given to help usher the drug out of the body. In other cases, the victim may have their stomach pumped. In the best case scenario, help will arrive in time and a treatment will be given that is effective, allowing the victim to return home within 24 hours. In the worst case scenario, no amount of treatment will resuscitate the victim.
The best way to treat a Demerol overdose is to stop it before it starts. Meditox can help you stop taking the drug and avoid an onslaught of withdrawal symptoms that can feel worse than an overdose.
How Do I Avoid a Demerol Overdose?
Avoiding a Demerol overdose starts with communication. Tell your doctor about all the other medications you are taking, both prescription and nonprescription. While you are taking Demerol, make sure that you take it exactly as prescribed and tell your doctor immediately if you develop an allergic reaction to the medication or react to it adversely. Also, limit your alcohol consumption as even one drink can compound the effect of Demerol and create an overdose.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid a Demerol overdose is also the best way to treat one: eliminate the drug from your regimen as quickly as possible. To that end, Meditox is here to help.
Avoid a Demerol Overdose Through Demerol Addiction Treatment at Meditox
Meditox can assist you with breaking your addiction to Demerol with an outpatient treatment utilizing Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. This drug binds to the same receptors in your brain usually occupied by Demerol, quelling your body's need for the drug and allowing you to avoid withdrawal symptoms. As you slowly decrease your intake of Suboxone, you will experience a renewed vigor and mental brightness. It all starts with a phone call. Contact Meditox today.
If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:
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August 11, 2006
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