DepoDur
From Drug Rehab Wiki
DepoDur is a single dose extended-release injectable formulation of morphine sulfate. The medication is given as a single epidural injection before or during surgery and provides pain relief for up to 48 hours following surgery. DepoDur is specifically designed for the control of pain after surgery.
As a morphine sulfate, DepoDur treats severe pain as it acts on certain centers in the brain. A narcotic pain reliever, this form of morphine sulfate is not given as a continuous injection, making it more appealing for some procedures.
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Abuses of DepoDur
DepoDur can be a highly addictive drug and as a result, can cause physical and psychological dependence when taken for long periods of time. This should be hard to achieve as it is given in a single dose under the care of a physician. When DepoDur is diverted for recreational use, however, it can cause severe addiction problems for the user. Tolerance, as well as psychological and physical dependence can also easily develop.
Those individuals with a prior history of opioid or other substance abuse or dependence are considered to be at greater risk of abuse. The effect that DepoDur has on the brain’s reward system is what generally drives the addiction and abuse. As tolerance and addiction develop, withdrawal can set in if the medication is discontinued.
Effects of DepoDur
Though it is very effective for treating pain, DepoDur, can cause significant side effects. DepoDur acts on the central nervous system to alleviate pain perceived by the pain receptors in the brain. Reactions to the medication that can be common include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, increased sweating, or dry mouth.
More serious effects can also occur, yet they are considered much less common. These effects include slow/shallow breathing, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion), difficulty urinating, vision changes or slow/fast heartbeat.
Withdrawal of DepoDur
When DepoDur is diverted for recreational use and an addiction develops, the high tolerance for and dependence on the drug can put the user at a significant risk when withdrawal sets in. Overall, withdrawal can be a painful process and symptoms can be felt within hours of stopping use of DepoDur and can last a long time.
Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the DepoDur withdrawal stage:
· Restlessness
· Nausea
· Watery eyes
· Widened pupils
· Sweating
· Runny nose
· Convulsions
Treatment of DepoDur Addiction
A DepoDur addiction can be life-threatening and it is important that this medication is stopped if it is not used for medicinal purposes or has been used too long. With the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, it is important that those with an addiction discontinue DepoDur gradually under the care of a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist.
A quality treatment center will take a comfortable detox method approach that uses withdrawal medications specific to DepoDur abuse. Treatment typically includes a full physical on a DepoDur addict to determine the right medications for this method. This approach helps to correct the chemical imbalances and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to ensure the success of the treatment.
