Paregoric
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Paregoric is an opioid analgesic and is also available in the trade names Opium Tincture or Opium Tincture Deodorized. Paregoric – as well as the other brands – are known as anhydrous morphine, but are provided in different liquid strengths. This medication is taken by mouth as a liquid and must be measured using a medicine dropper – even when administered for adults – and mixed with water or juice to ensure safe application.
Special administration is strongly advised to all patients at Opium Tincture and Paregoric are not the exact same thing. Opium Tincture is known as a much more potent formulation and an accidental overdose can take a life. When used correctly, Paregoric is used to treat diarrhea. This particular formulation is often used in pediatric applications as it is a safer form/dose of anhydrous morphine. Abuses of Paregoric
While Paregoric is a safer application of anhydrous morphine than the derivative Opium Tincture, it is still highly potent and can be deadly if an overdose occurs. Paregoric is an opium drug, which is highly addictive and as a result, tolerance (the need for higher and higher doses to maintain the same effect) and physical and psychological dependence can develop rather quickly.
For nearly 2,000 years, opium has been used as a folk medicine, taken with a beverage or swallowed as a solid to achieve certain desired effects. Addition problems did not arise until opium was introduced as a product to smoke in China in the middle of the 17th century.
As opium made its way to Europe and North America, additional uses were discovered for the medication, as well as the propensity for becoming addicted to the medication. Addiction came about in North America as a result of its prevalent use as a painkiller.
Effects of Paregoric
When acting as intended, Paregoric slows or stops the normal movement of the intestine so that stools move more slowly. As a result, water is absorbed from the liquid stool, lessening the occurrence of diarrhea. Its use is important in order to prevent dehydration in those with extreme cases of diarrhea.
Certain side effects can be present with the use of Paregoric, including lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, tremor, mood/mental changes or a rapid heart rate. Although allergic reactions are unlikely, symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
Withdrawal of Paragoric
Like any opium derivative, the prolonged use of Paregoric can create a physical dependence on or tolerance of the drug. If the medication is stopped abruptly, patients with a physical dependence can experience intense symptoms of withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with Paregoric use can include, but are not limited to:
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle spasms
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Tearing
• Yawning
• Chills
• Sweating
Treatment of Paregoric Addiction
As with any opium addiction, it is important that Paregoric users taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist. Treatment in a detox center for 24/7 care is highly recommended to ensure the individual is able to rid his or her body of the drug completely and safely.
Many quality centers will recommend a comfortable detox using withdrawal medications that are proven highly effective in treating an individual with a Paregoric addiction. This method is used to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to address cravings for the drug.
