How to Use Demerol With Migraines

Demerol is part of the narcotic pain reliever group and is very similar to taking morphine. While Demerol is used to treat a wide variety of moderate to severe pains, migraineurs have discovered that Demerol can work effectively to help alleviate migraine pain. Demerol is offered to patients with migraines by prescription only.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor. The first step in taking Demerol for migraines is to talk to the doctor who deals with your migraine pain. In most cases, Demerol is prescribed as a "last resort" when all other migraine drugs have failed. When talking to your doctor, be sure to list off any and all medications you are allergic to. Demerol interacts with many different types of drugs that can be serious and life-threatening. If a decision is made to prescribe Demerol for migraine pain, the next step is to fully understand how and when to take Demerol.

• 2

  Know your dose amount. People of different heights, weights, body types and pain levels may receive different doses of Demerol. Always know how much your doctor prescribed for you specifically. Demerol is administered by pill and should be consumed with a full glass of water.

• 3

  Know the side effects. Since Demerol is a heavy narcotic, there are many side effects that can occur. Patients should be on the lookout for these side effects and should contact their doctor if they become persistent or bothersome. These side effects include: confusion, lightheadedness, nervousness, restlessness, fainting spells and difficulty passing urine. Many of these side effects will subside if you rest or lie down after taking Demerol. Other common side effects include: blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, flushing, dizziness and constipation.

• 4

  Treat the side effects. Don't feel like you have to suffer with the side effects of Demerol. Many patients taking Demerol take laxatives to treat constipation. Others, who experience dry mouth, drink a lot of water to keep themselves feeling hydrated. Always allow yourself to rest after taking Demerol. Unlike other pain medicines, it's very difficult to take Demerol and continue to live on with your daily life. Many patients require a lot of rest and relaxation every time they take Demerol to help manage the side effects.

• 5

  Unless specifically prescribed, do not take Demerol on a regular basis for a long period of time. Demerol, along with many other narcotics, is highly addictive. Unless a doctor specifically instructs you to take Demerol on a regular basis, take it only when you need it. If you take Demerol regularly, do not suddenly stop taking it. Talk to your doctor about the process of weaning yourself from the drug.

• 6

  Tell every health care professional that you are taking Demerol. Whether you are going in for an operation or having your teeth cleaned, tell any medical professional who is dealing with you that are you are taking Demerol. Many drugs have an adverse effect when combined with Demerol so it is imperative that anyone who may be administering you a drug knows that you are already taking Demerol.