Demerol Overview

What is Demerol?

For the past 70 years, Demerol has been prescribed to treat those who suffer from both acute and chronic pain. Patients may also be prescribed the same drug under its generic name, meperidine. Today, some countries have restricted Demerol use. In the United States, where Demerol is still permitted, it is not prescribed as liberally as it once was, but is still available for doctors who prefer it for effective pain management.

How is Demerol Administered?

Demerol should be taken orally before pain becomes intense. Nausea may be side effect if taken on an empty stomach. Using this drug as directed is imperative. Unless your doctor tells you, do not alter your doses. Demerol is addictive if taken more often than prescribed or for long time spans. If after using this drug over time you find it is no longer as effective, you may have built a tolerance up. Do not take more of this drug before speaking to your doctor. It is possible to become addicted to Demerol, even after a short time of use.

What Drug Interactions Should I Avoid When Taking Demerol?

Taking this drug with other medications may result in a severe reaction. The use of Demerol in combination with other opioids should always be discussed with your doctor. MAO inhibitors, Naltrexone, ritonavir, or sibutramine could cause a negative drug interaction while you are taking Demerol. Your pharmacist or physician will be able to tell you if it is safe to take these drugs together. Demerol causes drowsiness and some drugs such as antihistamines, anti-anxiety and anti-seizure medications, and muscle relaxants have been known to intensify that effect. Until you are sure how Demerol will affect you, you should not do anything that requires you to be alert like driving.

What are the Side Effects of Demerol?

Side effects of Demerol commonly in most who use it. If, after continuous use of Demerol, you find your symptoms to be overwhelming or they have not lessened over time, consult your doctor. Side effects of Demerol include:

Drowsiness
Constipation
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Blurred vision

Contact your doctor at once if you have any episodes of fainting, severe mood changes, hallucinations, tremors, seizures or your heart rate becomes rapid.

What Else Should I Know When Taking Demerol?

Demerol should not be taken by anyone other than the patient to whom it was prescribed. For those who have breathing problems, kidney or liver disease, or a head injury, Demerol may cause these conditions to worsen. People who have seizure disorder, depression, drug or alcohol dependency or abuse histories should not take Demerol. Patients should be advised that using Demerol to treat ailments that may require long use or large quantities of the drug could result in tremors or seizures. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or pharmacist.

An overdose of Demerol could be deadly. In the case of a Demerol overdose, contact 911 or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

How Does Meditox Treat Demerol Addiction?

If you are interested in receiving help with your Demerol addiction, Meditox is here. We will meet all your concerns and questions with knowledgeable compassion. Our superior Demerol treatment program is tailored for each of our patients to help them succeed in becoming drug free. We incorporate the prescription medications, Suboxone and Subutex, into your personalized treatment program so that you can stop using Demerol with a minimum of withdrawal symptoms while you detox comfortably at home. Call and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors and see how our program could have you free of Demerol addiction in as few as 6 weeks.

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:

Additional Resources

Drugs.com: Demerol Information
PDRHealth.com: Demerol Information

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Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

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