Demerol Withdrawal

Demerol withdrawal is one of the many consequences of becoming addicted to this drug. Withdrawal symptoms are experienced when the drug is discontinued by the user. Demerol is a narcotic analgesic (opiate pain medication) prescribed for short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain. Often used in surgery, Demerol is utilized for its pain-relieving effects.

Like heroin and morphine, Demerol attaches to opioid receptors found in the spinal column and brain to interfere with the transmission of pain. Users of Demerol often feel euphoria as the drug triggers the brains pleasure centers as well as blocking pain. Demerol is not a natural opiate like morphine or codeine, but is a synthetic compound belonging to the phenylpiperidine class. Other members of this group include diphenoxylate and loperamide, agents commonly used to treat diarrhea, as well as the extremely potent analgesics fentanyl, alfentanil, and sufentanil.

The general therapeutic effects of Demerol are analgesia and sedation. The effects of Demerol are felt 10-15 minutes after ingestion and last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Demerol slows brain activity and intensifies the effects of alcohol. Individuals are warned not to drink alcohol while taking this medication as it can interfere with mental and physical abilities.

Demerol is available in a pill and in a syrup form. Those who abuse Demerol may take the drug orally, inject it, and/or snort it. It is important for those who have a legitimate prescription for Demerol to never increase the amount or frequency of their dose without their doctor's approval, or take Demerol for any reason other than the one prescribed. Extended use of this drug can create a tolerance condition where the medication no longer works at the initial dosage. For those who habitually take Demerol in doses higher than recommended, or those who take it over a long period of time, they will eventually become addicted to the drug both physically and psychologically.

When a person develops an addiction to Demerol they can no longer function without it. Demerol addiction is devastating not only to the individual physically but emotionally as well. Demerol withdrawal symptoms can occur four to five hours after the last dose and usually last 7 to 10 days. Often, those who are unaware they are addicted to Demerol respond to the pain of the Demerol withdrawal process by taking another dose of the drug.

Demerol withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

• chills
• insomnia
• muscle spasms
• profuse sweating
• severe anxiety
• shivering
• tremors

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