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Laudanum
What is Laudanum?
Laudanum is a tincture of opium that is a powerful narcotic. It is used to treat pain and diarrhea, and it is used to ease withdrawal symptoms in babies born to women who are addicted to opioids like heroin.
Important information:
Laudanum is extremely addictive, and an overdose can be lethal. It is not recommended for children or seniors, for they are more sensitive to its effects.
Before taking this medicine:
Laudanum can be dangerous to people with certain medical conditions, and you should talk to your doctor about your medical history.
How should I take Laudanum?
Laudanum is a liquid. Because of its potency and addictiveness, you should measure out the exact dose with a dropper or oral syringe.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not try to “catch up” by taking two doses at once. If you miss a dose, either take it as soon as you remember or wait until it is time to take the next dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose can kill, and should therefore be treated as a case of poisoning. An overdose can slow or stop breathing.
What should I avoid while taking Laudanum?
Since laudanum can cause drowsiness or dizziness, you should not drive or do anything else potentially dangerous until you know how severely laudanum affects you. You should also avoid depressants like alcohol or tranquilizers, for they will worsen Laudanum’s side effects.
Laudanum side effects:
Laudanum causes side effects similar to those of morphine. They include giddiness, agitation, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, slowed breathing and dry mouth. It can also cause psychological and physical dependence.
Laudanum dosing information:
taking laudanum for a long time causes tolerance, which means it take more and more laudanum to get the same effects. It also increases the chances of withdrawal symptoms when you do stop taking laudanum.
What other drugs will affect Laudanum?
Laudanum does interact with some other medications including MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, and the interactions increase the risk of side effects like seizures, severe drowsiness or slowed breathing. Other drugs like pentazocine can compromise laudanum’s effectiveness.
