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Meperidine is associated with a significant risk of misuse and dependency, which can result in overdose and potentially fatal outcomes. It may also lead to serious and possibly life-threatening respiratory issues. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to follow your doctor's guidance by using the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

• Discuss with your healthcare provider or pharmacist the possibility of having naloxone on hand to counteract an opioid overdose. Educate your family or those you live with about recognizing and responding to signs of an opioid overdose.
• The likelihood of experiencing severe breathing difficulties is heightened when initiating this medication, following a dose increase, or if the incorrect dosage is used. Combining meperidine with alcohol or other substances that induce drowsiness or respiratory depression can lead to severe side effects, including death.
• Certain medications may interfere with the elimination of meperidine from your body, impacting its effectiveness. It is essential to understand how to properly use meperidine and be aware of any drugs you should avoid while taking it.
• Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following serious side effects: slow or shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness or dizziness, or difficulty waking up.
• Store this medication securely to prevent theft, misuse, or abuse. In the event of accidental ingestion, seek medical assistance immediately.
• Women of childbearing age should discuss the potential risks and benefits of using this medication with their doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Use of this medication during pregnancy should be limited to instances where it is clearly necessary, as it may slightly increase the risk of birth defects if taken during the first trimester. Prolonged use or high doses near delivery can harm the unborn child. To mitigate risks, take the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration. Infants born to mothers who have used this drug extensively may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Notify your doctor immediately if your newborn shows signs such as persistent crying, slow or shallow breathing, irritability, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, poor feeding, or difficulty gaining weight.

While taking this medication, you might experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, or lightheadedness. Dizziness and drowsiness are also possible, and you may notice some pain or redness at the injection site. These are common side effects and often improve over time. To manage constipation, consider increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity. A pharmacist can recommend a suitable laxative if needed. To minimize dizziness, try rising slowly from sitting or lying positions.

Serious side effects are less common but important to watch for. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sleep apnea, mental changes like confusion or hallucinations, abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, irregular heartbeats, tremors, or vision changes. Signs of adrenal issues such as fatigue, weight loss, or loss of appetite also require prompt medical attention.

Rarely, this medication can lead to serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with other serotonin-boosting drugs. Seek immediate help if you notice fast heartbeats, hallucinations, severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, fever, or agitation. Additionally, though uncommon, an allergic reaction may occur, characterized by rash, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulties.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects not listed, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Some medications and substances can interact with this drug, potentially causing serious effects:

• Pain Medications: Mixed opioid agonist-antagonists like Butorphanol, Nalbuphine, and pentazocine, as well as Naltrexone and samidorphan, can interact with this drug.

• MAO Inhibitors: Combining this medication with MAO inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid, Linezolid, and others) can lead to a severe, possibly fatal reaction. Do not use MAO inhibitors while taking this drug and for two weeks before starting it. Consult your doctor for guidance on when to start or stop this medication.

• Other Drugs Causing Drowsiness or Breathing Issues: Using this drug with other substances that cause drowsiness or breathing problems can increase the risk of serious side effects like slow or shallow breathing and severe drowsiness. Inform your doctor if you're using other opioids (like codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, sleep or anxiety medications (like Alprazolam, Lorazepam), muscle relaxants (like Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (like Cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

• Serotonin Syndrome Risk: The risk of serotonin syndrome increases with drugs that elevate serotonin levels, such as MDMA ("ecstasy"), St. John's wort, and certain antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs). This risk is heightened when starting or increasing doses of these drugs.

• Medications Affecting Meperidine Removal: Some drugs can alter how meperidine is processed in your body, impacting its effectiveness. These include azole antifungals (like Ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (like Erythromycin), Mifepristone, rifamycins (like Rifabutin), Ritonavir, and seizure medications (like Carbamazepine, Phenytoin).

• Lab Tests: This medication may affect certain lab tests (such as amylase/lipase tests), potentially leading to inaccurate results. Ensure that all healthcare providers and lab personnel are aware that you are taking this drug.

Always discuss with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining this medication with others to ensure safety and effectiveness.