Meperidine

Meperidine, also known by its brand name Demerol, is a prescription opioid analgesic (pain reliever) used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by affecting the brain’s perception of pain, altering how the nervous system responds to it.

Meperidine is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It has intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous injection, syrup, and tablet forms. In the 20th century, it was the drug of choice among the opioids in the management of acute pain and the management of some patients with chronic pain.

Meperidine is commonly used for short-term pain management, such as after surgery or for acute pain episodes, but it is generally not recommended for long-term use due to its side effects and the potential for dependency.

Key uses of Meperidine include:

• Postoperative pain relief: Administered after surgery to manage pain.
• Acute pain management: Treating sudden, intense pain from injuries or medical procedures.
• Labor pain: Occasionally used during labor for pain relief, though it is less common today because of alternatives with fewer risks.

However, Meperidine is not commonly used as much today because of its risk of serious side effects, such as seizures, central nervous system toxicity, and the potential for drug abuse or addiction. It has largely been replaced by other opioids or non-opioid pain management therapies.

What Does Demerol (Meperidine) Look Like?

Demerol (Meperidine) comes in several forms, each with a distinct appearance:

1. Tablets:
   • Demerol tablets are typically white, round, and may have imprint markings identifying the dosage strength (e.g., “50 mg” or “100 mg”).
   • The name “Demerol” or its generic name “Meperidine” may also be imprinted on the tablet, along with the manufacturer’s name or logo.
2. Oral Solution:
   • Demerol is available as a liquid oral solution, which is clear and colorless to slightly pale yellow. The solution is usually supplied in bottles with measuring devices to ensure the correct dosage.
3. Injection:
   • The injectable form of Meperidine comes in vials or pre-filled syringes. The liquid is usually clear or slightly yellow in color and is used for intravenous or intramuscular administration.

The appearance of the tablet or injectable form may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but these are the typical forms you will encounter.

Demerol primarily comes as an oral tablet that’s white in color and round in shape. Where they differ is in the strength of each tablet and the imprint that is on each pill.

50 MG

50 mg Demerol tablets are white and round with imprints that include:

• W D 35
• 381 b
• M 7113
• A 158
• 54 879
• 726 50 WATSON
• 4171 V

100 MG

White and round Demerol tablets that are 100 mg dosage can have imprints that include:

• D 37 W
• barr 382
• 7115 M
• A157
• 54 163
• 727 100 WATSON
• 4172 V

Signs Of Demerol Abuse

Demerol is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the drug has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

If you’re worried that a loved one may be struggling with opioid drug abuse, there are some signs you can look out for to determine if your suspicions are warranted or not:

• loss of interest in regular activities
• changes in friend group
• visiting several doctors in an attempt to acquire multiple prescriptions
• using Demerol in dangerous situations
• abusing Demerol after having experienced negative consequences
• borrowing or stealing Demerol that has been prescribed to another person
• neglecting personal, school, or work responsibilities to use Demerol
• acting in a reckless or risky manner
• lying about one’s whereabouts or activities
• withdrawing from family and friends

Signs of Demerol abuse also include increased side effects and withdrawal symptoms, mixing Demerol with other substances, and opioid overdose.

Increased Side Effects & Withdrawal

Like most medications, Demerol comes with a variety of side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Demerol include:

• lightheadedness
• dizziness
• headache
• mood changes
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain
• constipation
• dry mouth
• sweating
• changes in vision
• urinary retention

Due to the strength of the opioid, Demerol may also cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include cravings, irritability, and insomnia.

Mixing Demerol With Other Substances

Without medical advice or the supervision of a healthcare professional, mixing any drug with Demerol can be dangerous. The negative drug interactions that can occur when Demerol is mixed with other prescription and/or illicit drugs can even be life-threatening.

Some of the drugs that shouldn’t be mixed with Demerol include:

• over-the-counter supplements
• benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam)
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• 5-HT3 receptor antagonists like alosetron (Lotronex)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (citalopram fluoxetine, and sertraline)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (duloxetine and venlafaxine)

Demerol is also mixed illegally with cocaine, methamphetamines, Adderall, or other stimulants to make what is known as a “speedball.”

It may also be combined with other opioids and CNS depressants like hydrocodone and oxycodone. A speedball can lead to serious side effects like mood changes, irregular heart rate, and an increased risk of overdose.

Overdose

Because Demerol has a high potential for substance abuse, there is a risk of opioid overdose as well. If you take too much of the medication for your body to handle, or mix it with other drugs, an overdose can be fatal. In 2020, there were over 5,000 opioid overdose deaths in Ohio.

Signs and symptoms of a Demerol overdose can include:

• changes in pupil size
• low blood pressure
• breathing problems/respiratory depression
• severe sedation and drowsiness
• muscle twitching
• blue fingernails and lips
• clammy skin

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, administer naloxone (Narcan) and call 911 immediately.

If you or a loved one are struggling with opiate/opioid abuse, we provide a range of addiction treatment options like inpatient detox, inpatient drug rehab, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare support.

What is Demerol Abuse ? How to Treat Demerol Abuse and Prevent Demerol Abuse ?

Demerol abuse occurs when someone misuses the drug Meperidine (Demerol) outside of its prescribed medical purpose. It often involves taking larger doses than prescribed, using it for recreational purposes to achieve a euphoric high, or using the drug without a prescription. Because Demerol is an opioid, it carries a high risk of addiction, dependence, and overdose if abused.

Signs of Demerol Abuse:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed or using it without a prescription.
• Using Demerol more frequently than directed by a doctor.
• Crushing or dissolving tablets for snorting or injecting.
• Seeking multiple prescriptions (doctor shopping) or using others’ prescriptions.
• Developing tolerance, meaning needing higher doses to feel the same effects.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug (e.g., nausea, sweating, anxiety).

Consequences of Demerol Abuse:

• Addiction: A physical and psychological dependence on the drug.
• Overdose: A potentially life-threatening condition that can result in slowed or stopped breathing, coma, or death.
• Mental and physical health issues: Long-term abuse can cause anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, and damage to the liver or kidneys.

Treatment for Demerol Abuse:

Treating Demerol abuse generally involves a combination of medical intervention and behavioral therapy. Key steps include:

1. Detoxification:
   • The first step is to undergo a medical detox to safely remove the drug from the person’s system.
   • Detox should be supervised by healthcare professionals to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can include nausea, sweating, anxiety, and intense cravings.
2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):
   • In some cases, medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone are prescribed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications can help stabilize individuals and prevent relapse during recovery.
   • Naloxone may be used in emergencies to reverse opioid overdose.
3. Counseling and Therapy:
   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in helping individuals change patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to drug abuse.
   • Group therapy and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide peer support and help maintain sobriety.
   • Family therapy can also be helpful in rebuilding relationships affected by drug use.
4. Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab Programs:
   • Inpatient rehabilitation offers a structured, drug-free environment where individuals can receive intensive therapy and support.
   • Outpatient programs allow individuals to continue with daily life while receiving regular therapy and support sessions.

Prevention of Demerol Abuse:

1. Prescribing Practices:
   • Doctors should prescribe Demerol sparingly and monitor patients for signs of misuse or dependence.
   • Use alternative pain management strategies, such as non-opioid medications or physical therapy, whenever possible.
2. Patient Education:
   • Patients should be educated about the risks of opioid addiction, the importance of following dosage instructions, and how to properly dispose of leftover medication.
3. Monitoring and Regular Check-ups:
   • Patients using Demerol should have regular follow-ups with their doctor to monitor their response to the medication and adjust dosages if necessary.
4. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs):
   • These programs track prescriptions for controlled substances like Demerol and can help detect patterns of misuse or “doctor shopping.”
5. Securing Medications:
   • Keep prescriptions in a secure place and dispose of any unused Demerol properly to avoid access by others.

Preventing and treating Demerol abuse requires a comprehensive approach, including responsible prescribing practices, patient education, and access to addiction treatment services.