Demerol Abuse Symptoms

Demerol abuse symptoms include digestive issues like constipation, appetite loss, and mood swings. Signs of addiction to the drug include a preoccupation with using it, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and a strain on personal and professional relationships.

Why Is Demerol Used?

Demerol is the brand name for the drug meperidine, which is a narcotic that is used to treat mild to moderate pain. The medication is commonly prescribed when other pain medications are no longer effective or tolerated by a patient. 

Demerol is a fast-acting medication that works by interrupting nerve signal transmission between the brain and body. The euphoric effect caused by ingesting Demerol makes the drug susceptible to abuse. 

What Are the Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Demerol Abuse?

Signs of Demerol abuse include the following:

• Visiting different doctors seeking multiple prescriptions for Demerol
• Purchasing Demerol illegally or stealing the medication from someone with a valid prescription
• Neglecting personal responsibilities based on frequent Demerol abuse or to seek out the medication
• Deceiving friends, loved ones, or colleagues about Demerol use and abuse
• An obsession with using the drug

In addition to the euphoric clinical effect of the drug, abuse of Demerol can lead to symptoms like these:

• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings
• Agitation and anger
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

What Are the Dangers of Demerol?

When taken in accordance with a valid prescription, Demerol is not considered dangerous, and it is usually only associated with mild side effects. However, when abused, Demerol can present serious mental, emotional, and physical risks.

Because of its high potential for abuse, Demerol is not usually prescribed for long-term use.

Mental & Emotional Effects

Mental and emotional effects of Demerol abuse include the following:

• Depression
• Loss of motivation 
• Reduced performance at school or work
• Loss of employment
• Impaired social relationships
• Financial loss
• Suicidal ideation

Physical Effects

Physical risks associated with Demerol abuse include the following:

• Muscle atrophy and weakness
• Organ damage
• Comorbidities like hypertension and cardiovascular disease
• Insomnia
• Respiratory difficulties
• Digestive system issues, such as chronic constipation

Demerol Withdrawal Symptoms

Since physical dependence can form so quickly with opioids like Demerol, withdrawal will begin once use stops. This adaptive state can induce a range of adverse mental, emotional, and physical symptoms, such as these:

• Disproportionate perspiration
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea
• Diminished appetite
• Elevated heart rate
• Respiratory problems

In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and the risk for relapse is incredibly high. A person will often take more Demerol or any opioid just to make withdrawal go away. This often deepens a cycle of abuse, making it very difficult for a person to successfully begin recovery.

Withdrawal symptoms can differ in severity and duration based on a range of factors, such as how much Demerol was usually taken and how long the drug has been consumed. In general, symptoms will be more severe and last longer with higher dosages and durations of consumption. 

While highly variable between each individual, withdrawal symptoms will likely occur within the first 24 hours of stopping use and reach their peak within one to two days. Most symptoms resolve within about a week.

Because of the intensity of Demerol withdrawal, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the recommended course of treatment. Medications like methadone or buprenorphine allow people to largely avoid the discomfort of withdrawal and greatly reduce their likelihood of relapse. 

Demerol Overdose

It is possible to overdose on Demerol, which can be fatal. This is considered a medical emergency, as opioid overdose can be reversed with prompt treatment.

If Demerol overdose is suspected, administer naloxone if it’s available. Even if you are uncertain if it is actually an opioid overdose, administer the medication. There is no downside to doing so, and you could be saving a life.

Emergency medical help is needed, so don’t hesitate to call 911. In addition to naloxone, other forms of life-saving and supportive care will be given. An overdose is a clear sign that addiction treatment is needed. 

If you suspect Demerol abuse in a loved one, talk to them about your concerns. Get them into addiction treatment before they face an overdose.