Demerol can be a useful medication for the treatment of pain, but like all medications, it has its drawbacks as well. Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now to find rehab programs where you can receive safe, effective, and professional care.

Demerol Pros and Cons

According to the National Library of Medicine, Demerol is a brand name drug containing meperidine. It is usually used to relieve “moderate to severe pain.” While the drug can be effective for this purpose, it does have certain drawbacks like every medication. When you are considering starting a Demerol treatment regimen, it is important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and to consider all the effects the drug could have on your life.

Pros of a Demerol Prescription

If taken as prescribed, Demerol can safely and effectively treat your pain.

• When an individual has severe pain that cannot be treated with “first line opioids” like oxycodone, meperidine can be an effective option (Michigan State University).
• Chills and shivering caused by blood products and anesthesia can sometimes be treated with Demerol.
• The drug can also be used to sedate patients quickly for procedures, although fentanyl can also be utilized for the same purpose.

Cons of a Demerol Prescription

• The drug only has a 2-3 hour duration of action. This means it cannot normally be utilized to treat those with long-term, intense pain.
• Meperidine is not as effective when taken orally as other opioid drugs. Though Demerol is available as a tablet, it is not usually prescribed to the extent that the injection-based version is prescribed.
• Meperidine has a high neurotoxicity because it contains the metabolite normeperidine. Unfortunately, this can potentially cause
  • Dysphoria
  • Tremor
  • Myoclonus
  • Seizures
• The general drawbacks of being treated with an opioid pain reliever also all apply to Demerol. These can include
  • The relative ease of becoming dependent on the drug
  • The high tolerance the drug can build up in a person’s system
  • The potential for abuse associated with all opioids
  • The potential for uncomfortable and even painful withdrawal symptoms to form if a dependent individual suddenly stops taking meperidine

In general, Demerol is thought to have more drawbacks than advantages when it comes to treatment with the drug. As such, it is not prescribed as often as other, more popular opioid drugs like hydrocodone and oxycodone.

Chronic Pain & Prescription Opiate Abuse Risks

Should I Go On Demerol?

It is extremely important that you consider all the potential side effects associated with Demerol before you decide to be treated with the drug. In addition, you MUST speak to your doctor about this medication and you must never start taking the drug without a doctor’s prescription. Some individuals do benefit from a Demerol prescription but only under a doctor’s supervision.

Have You Been Abusing Demerol?

If you have, it’s time to seek help. Let us match you with safe and effective rehab centers that will allow you to learn the skills you’ll need for living in recovery and how to put an end to your opioid abuse. Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? today.