Drug Investigation

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Drug Investigation

• By Jason Volpe

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Demerol

• Street Name None
• Brand Name Demerol
• Similar Drugs Morphine, Codeine, Vicodin,
  Heroin, OxyContin, etc.
• Chemical Name Meperidine or Pethidine

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Action of Demerol
-Demerol attaches to opioid receptors found in
the spinal column and brain to interfere with the
transmission of pain. -Once a Meperidine agent
attaches to a receptor it remains there for some
time not allowing the opioids to transmit their
signals.

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History of Demerol
-Introduced in the late 1930s -Originally
synthesized as an antimuscarinic -Said to be
similar to morphine but better a. shorter
duration of activation with less side effects b.
carry less risk of addiction while more
affective -Demerol was the opioid of choice for
much of the 20th Century -60 of doctors
prescribed it for acute pain and 20 for chronic
severe pain
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Schedule Rating and Availability

-Demerol is available in tablets, syrups, and
injectable forms through intravenous needles.
-The drug has a schedule II rating because it
has a medical use and is available through
prescription however can be highly addictive and
overused by patients and/or the public.
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Physiological Effects

• Besides pain relief for moderate to severe
  pain
• -Slowed breathing -Constipation
• -Vomiting -Sweating
• -Insensitivity to pain -Itchy skin
• -Contraction of the pupils -Nausea
• -Increased urination

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Psychological Effects

• Demerol is considered to be a narcotic drug.
  Some Psychological effects occur as well when
  using the drug. When the drug is injected, the
  user feels a surge of pleasure, then a state of
  gratification. The degree in which the sensation
  is felt is dependent on the dosage. Taken orally,
  the effects are more gradually felt. Withdrawal
  symptoms include severe anxiety and insomnia as
  well.

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Additional Side Effects

• Some more serious effects of Demerol can
  include
• -Respiratory arrest!
• -Cardiac arrest!
• -Hallucinations and severe convulsions!
• -Physical addiction!
• -Patients develop tolerance quickly!
• Because the drug can be taken intravenously,
  AIDS or other infections may be transmitted due
  to unsterile needles.

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Bibliography

• 1.http//www.bankhead.net/BoozeAndDrugs/Drugs/deme
  rol.html
• 2.http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meperidine
• 3.http//www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/m.html
• 4.http//www.scriptsrehab.com/di-demerol.htm
• 5.http//www.drugs.com/demerol.html