Abuses of Paracetamol

Abuses of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is an opiate and therefore is a Schedule II controlled substance. It has a high abuse liability and while it is very similar to morphine, codeine and other opiates, Paracetamol is still structurally distinct. While it alters the perception of pain in the spinal cord and brain, it does not affect nerve endings. Paracetamol triggers the brain’s pleasure centers while blocking pain. This process contributes to its ability to generate an addiction in users.

A tolerance for Paracetamol can be quickly developed and users may require more and more of the medication to achieve the desired effect. Dependency is manifested in a strong desire or need to continue taking more of the medicine; a need to increase the dose to maintain the effects of the medicine; and withdrawal symptoms occurring after the patient stops taking the medication. Effects of Paracetamol

Paracetamol can produce specific side effects, which can be apparent within 10 to 15 minutes after it is ingested and will typically last anywhere from two to four hours. Paracetamol delivers effects that are similar to that of morphine and codeine, in addition to sedation, respiratory depression and euphoria that are less intense than morphine.

Other side effects created by Paracetamol include, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat; feeling light-headed, fainting; confusion, fear, unusual thoughts or behavior; seizure (convulsions); problems with urination; or nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools and jaundice.