Opiates are one of the deadliest and most difficult drugs to quit, and there is rarely a recreational user. It is almost certain that when you start using opiates, you will become dependent on them and become addicted. This addiction will ruin your life utilizing taking all your money, your health, your friends and family, and all you have achieved in life so far, and if you are one of the many statistics, your life.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), more than 67,300 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose in 2018, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids. Drug overdose deaths rose from 38,329 in 2010 to 70,237 in 2017, followed by a significant decrease in 2018 to 67,367 deaths.
Many addicts start off becoming addicted to opiates either by recreationally using pain medication or becoming dependent on their prescribed pain medication because of their chronic pain. Opiates that are commonly prescribed for pain are Codeine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, and Oxycodone, just to name a few.
When it comes to abusing opiates, some have an intense euphoric rush when taken intravenously. The fierce rush is followed by many side effects that are common in other opioid drugs:
Nodding out
Extreme happiness followed by drowsiness
Loss of consciousness
Drowsiness
Constricted pupils
Shallow breathing
Mental confusion
Lack of motor control
Slow heart rate
What Does Nodding Off On Opiates Mean?
The majority of those side effects are pretty self-explanatory except for one, “nodding out.” What is “nodding out”? Nodding out (or nodding off, which can be used interchangeably) is a common term for heroin or opioid-induced state that causes overdose-related deaths more often than any other drug euphoria or high. However, there are many dangers of nodding out on heroin and opiates.
Why Do You Not Out While On Opiates?
When opiates enter the brain, users feel an intense euphoria, or “rush.” However, this is inevitably followed by a period when the person experiences a trans-like state that shifts between drowsy and wide awake for many hours. It is referred to as nodding out or nodding off.
Nodding out is not an exact medical term, and it can be comparable to a student that is bored in class who is trying to keep his head up and stay awake; his head will “nod” and drop as he gets more and more sleepy, and then his head will inevitably jerk awake.
Nodding off occurs because opiates are sedatives that make users go from feeling alert but sleepy into such a deep sleep that they cannot be forced to wake up. This may seem like a perfect state of well-being for an opiate user, but it is commonly the first step on the road toward falling asleep and never waking up again.
Opiate Addiction Treatment at Allure Detox
If you or a loved one need to get off opiates and back to living, Allure Detox is here for you. If you are ready to take the next step in your path to recovery, we at Allure Detox can help. Allure Detox exists to help patients stop using drugs and alcohol safely. Unlike many facilities, Allure’s detox center treats addiction as a disease. Our team of specially trained physicians and nurses is committed to helping addicts and alcoholics achieve lasting recovery.
FAQ
What drugs cause you to nod off?
“Nodding off” is a term used to describe a state where a person alternates between drowsiness and wakefulness, typically with the head nodding forward and backward. This state is commonly associated with the use of certain drugs, especially central nervous system depressants. Some substances that can cause a person to “nod off” include:
Opioids: This class of drugs includes prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. Opioids are known to cause drowsiness and can lead to “nodding off”.
Benzodiazepines: These medications, including drugs like diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan), are often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia. They can cause drowsiness and sedation.
Barbiturates: These are older sedatives that are not commonly prescribed anymore due to their high risk of overdose and addiction. They can cause significant drowsiness.
Alcohol: As a depressant, alcohol can cause drowsiness and, in larger quantities, can lead to “nodding off”.
Antihistamines: Certain antihistamines, especially the first-generation ones like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness.
Certain Antidepressants and Antipsychotics: Some medications used to treat depression and mental disorders can cause sedation.
Using substances that cause drowsiness, especially in high doses or in combination, can be very dangerous. It is important to use medications only as prescribed by a healthcare professional and to avoid using illegal substances. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, it is critical to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist.
How strong are Sedoxil or Mexazolam, and Grandaxin (Benzodiazepines)?
Sedoxil or Mexazolam, and Grandaxin (also known as Tofisopam) are medications that belong to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. However, it’s important to note that Tofisopam (Grandaxin) is somewhat different from traditional benzodiazepines like Mexazolam.
Mexazolam (Sedoxil) is a traditional benzodiazepine. It is used mainly as an anxiolytic (to reduce anxiety). Like other benzodiazepines, it can have sedative effects. The strength of Mexazolam in comparison to other benzodiazepines depends on various factors including the dosage, the individual’s sensitivity, and the condition being treated.
Tofisopam (Grandaxin) is classified as a 2,3-benzodiazepine and is structurally different from traditional benzodiazepines. It is mainly used as an anxiolytic but is not known to have the sedative, anticonvulsant, or muscle relaxant properties typically associated with traditional benzodiazepines. It is generally considered to have a less sedating effect compared to traditional benzodiazepines.
Comparing the strength of different medications, especially within a class of drugs like benzodiazepines, can be complex because they may have different pharmacological properties and may be used for different indications.
It is very important that medications, especially those that can affect the central nervous system, are taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The dosing and choice of medication should be individualized based on the patient’s specific health needs.
If you have questions about the appropriate use of these medications, or their relative strengths and indications, I would recommend discussing this with a healthcare provider who can provide specific guidance based on your health history and needs.
How strong are Benzodiazepines like Flunitrzepam (Rohypnol) aka roofies or Midazolam (Versed)?
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and Midazolam (Versed) are both part of the benzodiazepine class of drugs and are known to be potent medications.
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is often referred to as “roofies” and is known for its strong sedative and hypnotic effects. It is used in some countries for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a premedication for surgical procedures. However, it has also been associated with illicit use, especially as a “date-rape” drug, because of its ability to cause amnesia and significant sedation. It is considered to be one of the stronger benzodiazepines.
Midazolam (Versed) is used for sedation, as a sleep aid, for reducing anxiety, and as an anesthetic medication in certain procedures. It acts quickly and is considered to be a potent benzodiazepine. Midazolam is often used in medical settings such as before and during surgical procedures for its sedative and amnestic properties.
Both Flunitrazepam and Midazolam are strong medications and have a high potential for misuse and dependence. They should only be used under strict medical supervision and for legitimate medical reasons. It’s important to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions closely when using these medications to avoid adverse effects or complications.
Also, I must emphasize that using these drugs for non-medical purposes, or without a prescription, is both illegal and dangerous. If you have questions or concerns about the use of benzodiazepines or any medication, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
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