There's a new way of getting high and it's actually completely legal. Loperamide is now being used as a substitute for painkillers to get a cheap high.
Loperamide (Opiod Agonist) Abuse Associated With Cardiac Dysrhythmia and Death #wellineverknew https://t.co/1uhaqZj1EQ
— John Collins (@medic914) May 13, 2016
Loperamide As The New High
Imodium has opioid content in the form of loperamide, per CNY Central. Loperamide is a popularly known treatment for diarrhea. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved loperamide decades ago. However, when consumed in excessive amounts, loperamide can become a cheap way to get high.
Katharine Rayland was the first person who admitted to using loperamide to get high in 2012. When she was rushed to the Upstate University Hospital for an emergency, she needed to have her heart shocked 28 times to be revived back to life.
I think that it's just as dangerous if not more dangerous, if not more dangerous," said Dr. Jeanna Marraffa at the Upstate New York Poison Center. Since then, the center has received a 70 percent increase in patients abusing on loperamide.
In Rayland's case, she used Ioperamide to cope with her Vicodin withdrawal. Others said they used loperamide to get a cheap high and legal high. If abused, it may result to deadly heart problems.
Painkillers Vs Loperamide
New York Time called it the poor man's methadone. Addicts who cannot get hold of painkillers are now turning to loperamide and other anti-diarrhea medications.
It was only recently that most physicians became aware of loperamide abuse. A report published online in Annals of Emergency Medicine featured the two deaths in New York because of loperamide abuse. Many toxicologists and emergency department doctors believe that the incidents are now widespread than scattered as reports say.
Sarah Peddicord, a spokeswoman for the FDA said that the agency is aware of the recent reports about the adverse effects of loperamide abuse. They promised to take appropriate steps as soon as possible.
Trainspotting Explains Link To Loperamide
According to Inverse, the famous bathroom scene in Trainspotting explains the link between addiction and loperamide. "Heroin makes you constipated," explained Renton while crouched in the worst toilet in Scotland.
Like heroin and morphine, loperamide works on the body's opioid receptors, inducing euphoria if taken in large quantities. So whether trying to get their fix or trying to get rid of their addiction, the FDA should now consider changing regulations on loperamide and other loperamide drugs.
What do you think? Should loperamide be regulated? Let us know what you think, hit us with your comments below.
