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Demerol |
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What is Demerol and why is it prescribed? Demerol, a narcotic analgesic, is prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Do not take Demerol if you are currently taking drugs known as MAO inhibitors or have used them in the previous 2 weeks. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. When taken with Demerol, they can cause unpredictable, severe, and occasionally fatal reactions. How should you take Demerol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Demerol. Do not increase the amount or length of time you take this drug without your doctor's approval. If you are using Demerol in syrup form, take each dose in a half glass of water. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Demerol at room temperature. Protect it from heat. Are there any Demerol side effects? Demerol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Demerol side effects may include dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, sweating, and vomiting. If any of these side effects occur, it may help if you lie down after taking the medication. Less common or rare Demerol side effects may include agitation, constipation, difficulty urinating, disorientation, dry mouth, fainting, fast heartbeat, feeling of elation or depression, flushing of the face, hallucinations, headache, hives, impairment of physical performance, itching, low blood pressure, mental sluggishness or clouding, palpitations, rashes, restlessness, severe convulsions, slow heartbeat, tremors, troubled and slowed breathing, uncoordinated muscle movements, visual disturbances, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Demerol? If Demerol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Demerol slows brain activity and intensifies the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Demerol with Antidepressant drugs (such as Elavil, Tofranil), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Major tranquilizers (such as Mellaril and Thorazine), MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressant drugs Nardil and Parnate), Other narcotic painkillers (such as Percocet and Tylenol with Codeine), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Sedatives (such as Halcion and Restoril), or Tranquilizers (such as Xanax and Valium). Are there any special warnings about Demerol? Demerol may affect you both mentally and physically. You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how the drug affects you. You can build up tolerance to, and both mental and physical dependence on, Demerol if you take it repeatedly. If you have ever had a problem with drug abuse, consult with your doctor before taking this drug. Use Demerol with caution if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, an enlarged prostate, a urethral stricture, a head injury, a severe abdominal condition, or an irregular heartbeat, or if you have ever had convulsions. Be very careful taking Demerol if you are having a severe asthma attack, if you have frequently recurring lung disease, if you are unable to inhale or exhale extra air when needed, or if you have any pre-existing breathing difficulties. Because Demerol may cause unusually slow or troubled breathing and may increase the pressure from fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, this drug should be used by people with head injury only if the doctor considers it absolutely necessary. Demerol may make you feel light-headed or dizzy when you get up from lying down. Before having surgery, make sure the doctor knows you are taking Demerol. |
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