When are narcotic injections
used?
Narcotic injections are used primarily
in emergency rooms and medical offices. There are two main scenarios in
which they are generally administered:
- When Migraine attack is not relieved
by a Migraineur's usual medications and the pain and other symptoms
are severe. In addition to the level of pain, prolonged nausea and
vomiting should be considered an indication for seeking emergency care
because of possible dehydration.
- When a Migraine lasts beyond 72
hours with less than four pain-free hours while awake. Under the
diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society, such a
Migraine is termed Status Migrainous, and emergency care is
recommended. Status Migrainous puts Migraineurs at increased risk of
stroke and should not be ignored.
Which medications are used?
Although there are several narcotic
pain relievers that can be used, the two most commonly used are
Demerol (Meperidine HCl) and Toradol (Ketorlac).
They are usually administered with Phenergan
(promethazine), Compazine (prochlorperazine),
or Vistaril (hydroxyzine); both to reduce
nausea and because these meds potentiate the narcotics -- help them work
better and more quickly.
How are narcotic injections
administered?
The injections may be administered
intramuscularly or intravenously. If a saline IV has been started
because of dehydration, the meds will usually be injected into the IV
line. If there is not an IV line, it is more common for the meds to be
injected intramuscularly into the hip, but sometimes meds will be
injected intravenously to act more quickly.
Precautions-
When these medications are
administered, the patient will be kept in the emergency room or doctor's
office for a short period of time to be sure they have been effective
and to observe for adverse reactions. Do not drive yourself to the
hospital of doctor's office for narcotic injections. You should not
drive after they are administered.
More information-
For more information on these
medications, please follow these links:
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