Demerol
(also known as Pethidine or Meperidine) is a
synthetic opioid analgesic (pain killer),
similar to morphine, that comes in tablet and
injectable form.
Opioids are chemicals that work by binding to
opioid receptors, which are found principally in
the central nervous system.
The analgesic (pain relieving)
effects of opioids are due to decreased perception
of pain, decreased reaction to pain as well as by
increased pain tolerance. The side effects of
opioids include sedation, Central Nervous System &
respiratory depression, and constipation.
It has been reported that
Michael
Jackson
may have died from
respiratory depression as a result of an injection
of the painkiller Demerol rather than from plain
Cardiac Arrest.
The musician had allegedly been taking the
prescription painkiller for a number of years since
setting to his hair filming a Pepsi Commercial and
breaking a vertebrae and his leg in an accident
falling of stage.
The Country Singer, Tammy Wynnette's was also
thought to have used Demerol. Following her death,
her daughter described her 'hopelessly addicted' to
Pethidine (Demerol).
