Propofol - Dangers, side effects, and treatment

Brand names: Diprivan, Fresenius Propoven

Propofol is an anesthetic used to produce relaxation and sleep before and during surgery. Due to its color and its ability to knock patients out within 40 seconds, doctors have nicknamed propofol, "the milk of amnesia". People who use propofol recreationally experience euphoria and hallucinations. Documents of propofol abuse are rare due to the level of monitoring it takes to use the drug safely. However, the dangers of propofol addiction gained media attention after the death of Michael Jackson. Jackson was believed to have died from a mixture of propofol and lorazepam. According to a search warrant by the district court of Harris County, Texas, Jackson's physician administered him 25 milligrams of propofol diluted in lidocain before his death.

Pharmacology

In 1986 Imperial Chemical Industries (now AstraZeneca), released propofol under the brand name, Diprivan. Diprivan is an intravenously administered anesthetic. It was first tested on patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors. Propofol is often combined with opiods such as fentanyl to alleviate pain. Researchers have shown propofol to be more effective than benzodiazepines such as lorazepam. This is due to propofol's decreased sedation time and increased recovery time.

Propofol is metabolized by conjunction in the liver. It works as an anesthetic by slowing down the major neurotransmitter of the central nervous system (GBAA) and blocking sodium channels.

Dangers of Recreational Use of Propofol

People use propofol recreationally as a sleeping aid and a source of pain management. Due to its high potency, propofol is extremely dangerous to take without doctor administration. It can cause breathing problems that result in cardiac arrest. The drug's label requires oxygen on hand for people using it. Patients can go into a deeper state of unconsciousness than desired so it is essential to have a doctor on hand. If not, propofol use can easily result in death.

Side Effects and Dangers of Propofol

• Brain Damage
• State of confusion
• Metabolic acidosis
• Face Swelling
• Increased blood pressure
• Impairment of fertility
• Cardiac Arrest
• Death

Propofol Withdrawal

Propofol withdrawal is based on the dosage taken.  Even with just two weeks of usage, withdrawal symptoms can take place. At 95 days of usage, withdrawal can be so intense it may result in death.

Withdrawal Symptoms include, twitching, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, agitation, tremors, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hyperpyrexia.

Propofol Treatment

Propofol addicts can seek recovery in drug and alcohol treatment centers. Many propofol addicts have lived through significant trauma, such as molestation and sexual trauma. Trauma and PTSD be treated by intense therapy and EMDR.

If you or someone you know has a problem with propofol or any other substance please call (866) 666-3711 for immediate assistance.