Meperidine
Meperidine (brand name Demerol) is an oral or injectable prescription medication that is often used to treat moderate to severe pain in patients suffering from post-operative surgery pain, muscle spasms, chronic joint pain, and back pain.
Working similarly to morphine, this opioid is a narcotic analgesic which relieves aches by altering the body’s sense of pain. Instead of discomfort, users will feel euphoric and slowly become sedated and calm. Like any narcotic, meperidine can become very addictive, leading to a physical and psychological dependency.
Symptoms of Meperidine Addiction
The effects and signs of meperidine addiction vary depending on factors like an individual’s genetic makeup, how long they have taken the narcotic, and the frequency of opioid abuse. Some common symptoms of meperidine abuse include:
- Irritability
- Impulsiveness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Dazed appearance
- Hallucinations
- Worsening of mental illness symptoms
- Disorientation
Treatment for Demerol Abuse
The meperidine detox process can be a lengthy one depending on how long and how much of the drug has been used. Much like other opioids, it’s important that users not abruptly stop the use of Demerol and instead seek the help of a medical professional in order to avoid the many painful withdrawal symptoms.
It is also important that abusers seek the help of an addiction recovery center to better understand the underlying causes of their addiction. If you or your loved one suffers from meperidine addiction, know that you don’t have to deal with this alone. At Talbott Recovery, our day treatment and intensive outpatient programs at our Atlanta and Dunwoody locations are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals who are struggling to stop using prescription drugs like meperidine. Contact Talbott Recovery today to learn more about our drug addiction treatment programs.