What is Demerol?
Demerol is one of several opium derivatives available by prescription. It is a high potency painkiller. When used as prescribed it helps cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers manage their pain. Demerol comes in intravenous solution as well as in oral tablets. The oral pills do not work particularly well for pain control.
The addiction to Demerol will develop if it is used for long periods and abused. Prolonged use of Demerol can create a tolerance condition where the medication will no longer work at the initial dosage.
When an individual forms an addiction to the pain medication Demerol they become dependant on Demerol and will no longer function without it. Demerol addiction is devastating not only to the individual physically but emotionally as well.
Demerol Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
- severe anxiety
- insomnia
- profuse sweating
- muscle spasms
- chills
- shivering
- tremors
Demerol withdrawal symptoms can occur four to five hours after the last dose. Demerol withdrawal symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. Individuals who are unaware they have a Demerol addiction may respond to the pain of withdrawal by taking another dose of Demerol.
