Pethedine
Peth.
Scientific Names
Pethidine Hydrochloride
Generic Name
Opiate
Effects Of Pethedine
Desired Effects:
Euphoria, relaxation, decreased anxiety.
Side-Effects:
Sweating, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness.
Risks
Short-term:
Tolerance, Overdose, sickness, dizziness, Sedative.
Long-term:
Dependence. Neurotoxic.
Reducing Harm
Please view our Reducing Harm page for more information.
How does Pethedine work?
Analgesic, central nervous system Depressant, anti-spasmodic.
Legal status of Pethedine
Class A under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
How Is Pethedine Taken?
Orally, Tablets can be crushed and injected.
Paraphernalia
If injected: Needle and Syringe, water, matches or lighter, spoon, Tourniquet, Swabs.
Medical uses of Pethedine
Treatment of moderate to severe pain, particularly during childbirth.
Where does it come from?
Diverted from the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacies, hospitals or GPs prescriptions.
Helping services
'Street agencies’ or projects, sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams, offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, detoxification and prescribing for opiate / opioid users, support groups and other services such as acupuncture. Some may have extended opening hours and may be open at weekends. GPs and hospitals can make referrals to specialist drug services like Drug Dependency Units (DDUs). These are usually located in or adjacent to a hospital and specialise in helping problem drug users, especially people who are dependent on opiate / opioid drugs. They provide counselling, detoxification, substitute prescribing and other treatments. Residential services offer treatment programmes for heavily dependent drug users who are trying to give up. Residents must usually be drug free on admission which means they usually have to undergo detoxification before entry. Programmes usually last 3-6 months, but some 12 steps programmes last longer. The types of programmes vary. Self help groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) co-ordinate local support groups for problem drug users around the country. Families Anonymous run similar groups for the families of drug users.
Parents & other relatives
Many drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents, family members and partners of people using drugs. They may provide relative support groups or advice, guidance and counselling on a one to one basis.
You can view a list of National Drug Agencies.
If you would like to talk about Pethedine problems then please call the DAN 24/7 Helpline on:
