Demerol® is a powerful opioid painkiller that can cause severe side effects, such as addiction, overdose, or death.
What is Demerol?
Demerol® (meperidine) is a prescription painkiller for the treatment of severe pain, particularly in surgery patients. It belongs to a group of narcotic painkillers called opioids.
How Does Demerol Work?
Demerol produces a sense of euphoria and well-being, which increases a person’s tolerance to pain. It was once a popular medication for surgery patients, but because it is a short-acting drug, doctors more commonly prescribe long-acting drugs like Vicodin® or OxyContin®.
What is the Problem?
Taking too much Demerol can produce a feeling of euphoria, or a “high,” that can lead to patients taking more than prescribed. This can quickly lead to an accidental overdose or intentional drug-abuse. Like morphine and other opioids, Demerol is very addictive and dangerous.
Symptoms of a Demerol Overdose
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive sleepiness
- Limp or weak muscles
- Narrowing or widening of the pupils (black spots in the eye)
- Cold, clammy skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
