Demerol is actually the trade name for meperidine or pethidine and is a rapidly acting opioid based analgesic or painkiller.  It is more commonly known as Demerol in Canada and the US whereas it goes by its more technical names in other countries.  Compared to the stronger compound morphine, Demerol was supposed to be safer and showed a lower potential for abuse and addiction.  Additionally, it was viewed as a far superior painkiller to morphine.  It has a lower level of potency, a shorter reaction time, and a unique toxicity.

The problem with Demerol is that it is has become a targeted drug threat in the eyes of the DEA as well as posing a serious public health threat according to the National Institute of Health.  When it is taken with alcohol or other types of narcotic substances, it can seriously threaten a person’s health and may even kill them.  As a result of how it is now being used regularly and grown in popularity, dependencies and addictions easily develop in the person who is using Demerol.

Side effects

As with any other type of prescription medication, Demerol displays a number of noticeable side effects, following being the most common:

• appetite loss
• constipation
• dizziness and fainting
• drowsiness
• excessive perspiration or sweating
• lightheadedness
• nausea and vomiting

In addition to the above, there are also far more severe side effects that could occur when abusing the drug recreationally.  Should any of these happen to you or a loved one, medical attention should be sought immediately:

• arm and/or leg numbness
• changes in vision
• chest pain
• difficulty or slowness of breathing
• difficulty urinating
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• mental or mood changes
• nausea
• seizures
• severe allergic reactions
• severe or persistent dizziness
• sudden severe headache
• stomach pain
• tremors
• vomiting

Seek medical attention immediately if these occur as they could eventually become life-threatening in nature and you could die.  Most importantly, if you feel that you that you have developed a Demerol dependency or addiction, or that someone you know has you should consider entering a Demerol drug rehab program to get help and recover from your addiction.  It may just save your life in the long run or the life of a loved one.

At Delray Recovery Center, we understand that addictions never relent and that is why seeking help becomes imperative to leading a sober life. This is one of the reasons that we are available 24/7 to help with your treatment, Demerol drug rehab and recovery programs to overcome the Demerol addiction. We offer partial hospitalization, in-patient detox and rehab or even out-patient rehab facilities to help individuals lead a better life.