According to the online medical encyclopedia MedlinePlus, Demerol is the brand name for the generic drug meperidine. The Mayo Clinic reports that Demerol belongs to a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics and are used to treat pain. The Mayo Clinic advises that some narcotic analgesics can become habit-forming and the online drug resource Drugs says the person for whom the prescription was written should be the only user of Demerol. There are several side effects that Demerol may cause.
Mild Side Effects
Drugs reports that Demerol may cause mild side effects that include sweating, decreased libido (loss of interest in sex), dry mouth, sweating, itching, decreased urination, constipation, dizziness, and headache. Using Demerol may also decrease the user's appetite, and cause nausea and vomiting. MedlinePlus confirms these side effects, and add other possible side effects: stomach pain and cramps, flushing, vision disturbances, confusion, agitation or an unusual calm feeling.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body. If a person is allergic to Demerol, a possible severe side effect of taking this medication is an anaphylactic reaction. Drugs reports that symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the throat, tongue, face, and lips. The swelling, especially in the throat, can cause breathing difficulty. Drugs advises seeking emergency medical attention if these side effects occur.
Other Serious Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Demerol may have other serious side effects. These include slow and shallow breathing, uncontrollable shaking of the hands, muscle twitching or cramping, drastic changes in heartbeat, and fainting. Drugs adds that Demerol may cause the skin to become cold and clammy, and severe weakness and/or dizziness. Because Demerol relieves pain by targeting the central nervous system, MedlinePlus and Drugs report that some of the possible serious side effects are manifested in the brain and nerves, including seizures, confusion, and visible or auditory hallucinations. MedlinePlus advises calling a doctor immediately if these side effects are experienced.
