Posted by Sunnely on April 20, 2001, at 18:46:55
In reply to Demerol Interaction, posted by Beverly Adams on April 20, 2001, at 0:50:47
Hi Beverly,
I would like to offer my long-shot, 2-cent opinion. Is it possible that your mother is experiencing an unremitting "musical hallucinations" and repeating them by singing?"
Demerol can produce hallucinations, however, this problem should subside as the drug is eliminated from the system. I am not sure if the BOTOX injections, which she receives for her neurological condition (? Meige's syndrome), could have precipitated this problem or affected her hearing acuity leading to this problem.
"Musical hallucinations" are the hearing of tunes, melodies, harmonics, rhythms and timbres. They are common in females and are associated with age (among elderly females who have hearing impairment, 1/3 have been depressed), deafness, and brain disease (particularly epileptic focus such as temporal lobe epilepsy or temporal lobe tumor, or stroke). It can also be a symptom of salicylate (Aspirin) toxicity; reported with propranolol (Inderal) use; and seen in alcoholic hallucinosis. Finally, it can also be a prominent symptom of schizophrenia.
I think it would be a good idea to get a head CT or MRI and an electroencephalogram (EEG). Might as well have her undergo audiometry (hearing tests) to be sure. Also, check other medications (prescribed or OTC, any herbals) that she is taking.
If related to an epileptic focus, anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) are usually effective.
Just curious, how old is your Mom? Does she have hearing deficits or impairment? Aside from depression, does she have history of mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia).
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> My name is Beverly ( or Bev ) and I am the main care giver for my Mother. The problem I have is with her.
>
> I would like to thank you in advance for reading the "book" below. If you know anything about drug interactions involving Demerol, please read on.
>
> Background:
>
> Mom has Dual Depression and several Dystonias. She received BOTOX injections Dec/2000, Jan/2001, and Feb/2001. Three days after the last injection, she fell and broke two ribs in her back. The Emergency Doctor gave her Demerol injection and a perscription for a week's worth of 3 times a day. I can not remember the amount of the dose.
>
> Needless to say, she does not remember anything of that week.
>
> The problem is what happened afterwards. Before the ribs, Mom made a guttural noise associated with Oromandibular Dystonia ( the reason behind the BOTOX injections ). Right after the Demerol week, the noise disappeared and was replaced with singing. I have no problem with her singing. It just is the song she sings plays over and over inside her head. She can not stop it. With her dystonias and trying to sing she always hyperventilates.
>
> My main worries are a drug interaction and if we can use MYBLOC ( stronger version of BOTOX ) and get a handle on her dystonia ( where her noise would have gone bye-bye ) we are still left with the singing. It sounds almoost complusive, but she does not have any obsessive thoughts which the singing would provide any type of relief.
>
> Any ideas, suggestions, tips,...? Anything?
>
> Thank you for your time.
>
> Beverly
poster:Sunnely
thread:60539
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010417/msgs/60622.html