Demerol is a brand name for pethidine, a fast-acting synthetic opioid pain reliever. Intended to treat short-term pain, Demerol was often given to mothers during labor.
However, Demerol can have some dangerous interactions with other drugs and can cause serotonin syndrome in people taking SSRI medications like Prozac. It is less commonly used in the US.
Like all opioid pain relievers, Demerol is potentially addictive when misused. Demerol takes effect very rapidly, contributing to its addictive qualities.
Demerol addiction is dangerous, considering its harmful interactions with other medications. Recovering from Demerol abuse can be complex and should be done in a clinical detox setting.
