Stadol ® addiction is caused by long-term use of stadol (butorphanol tartrate). Stadol ® is a highly addictive synthetic opioid, most commonly prescribed for migraine relief, and often administered by nasal spray.
Stadol ® is also used to relieve labor pains, and studies have shown it to be more effective on women than men. Illicit use of butorphanol has become more common due to its availability as a veterinary sedative. It is often combined with other opioids.
Stadol, or butorphanol tartrate, is a synthetically-derived opioid that treats pain and comes in injectable form and as a nasal spray. The spray, intravenous and intramuscular shots are used as pre-operative and pre-anesthetic medicine, and for pain relief during child labor. The recommended dosing range for intravenous injection is 0.5 mg to 2 mg every three to four hours. The recommended dosing range for intramuscular injection is 1 mg to 4 mg every three to four hours. The typically recommended initial dose for nasal spray is 1 mg, or one spray in one nostril. An additional 1 mg can be taken if pain persists after 60-90 minutes.
Stadol Warnings
The drug is not indicated for use in people who have been addicted to narcotics, and an appropriate period of withdrawal is recommended for those who have taken other opiates. The manufacturer says Stadol has the potential to cause dependence in those who have misused it, or with prolonged, persistent use.
This can also cause patients to develop a tolerance, which happens when a drug builds up in the body, requiring them to take more and more to achieve the same pain-killing effect. Abruptly stopping opiate use can result in the onset of powerful withdrawal symptoms. Opiate analgesics, including Stadol, should not be used in conjunction with alcohol, tranquilizers or barbiturates. It can also cause drowsiness and dizziness, so warnings are included about driving or performing other tasks that require alertness. Stadol is not indicated for use in those under 18, and side effects can be magnified for the elderly.
Stadol Side Effects
Some of the side effects reported with the use of the nasal spray and injections:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Heart palpitations
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Euphoria
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Tremors
- Blurred vision
- Flu-like symptoms
- Respiratory problems
Severe allergic reaction can occur in some patients. Symptoms include rash, hives, difficult breathing, chest tightness and swelling of the lips, mouth, face or tongue. Other severe, but less common, side effects include chest pain, excessive drowsiness, seizures, vomiting, slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion, fainting and ringing in the ears.
Stadol Dependence And Treatment
Stadol is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance under federal regulation. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency classifies drugs according to their potential to be habit-forming and lead to abuse. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more cases of abuse have been tied to the nasal spray than the injections.
Persistent use of Stadol over a long period of time can lead quickly to tolerance and addiction. For many, opiate addiction is tough to kick without help. Medically-supervised detox may be necessary to help wean patients in a safe, comfortable setting. Rapid drug detox has been especially effective in the treatment of opiate addiction.