Tilidine: effects, side effects and risks
Inhaltsverzeichnis: Tilidine: effects, side effects and risks
What is tilidine?
Tilidine is a strong painkiller that belongs to the opioid group. It is mainly used in medicine to treat moderate to severe pain, for example in chronic illnesses or after operations. The drug works by blocking pain signals in the nervous system and thus reducing the perception of pain.
A special feature of tilidine is that in Germany it is almost always used in combination with the active substance Naloxon is prescribed. This combination serves to make it more difficult to abuse the drug. Naloxone blocks the euphoric effects effect of tilidine, for example if it is taken or injected in excessive doses.
The effects of tilidine
Tilidine unfolds its effects primarily in the nervous system and is known to effectively relieve pain. But how exactly does it work?
How does tilidine work in the body?
Tilidine is converted into the active substance in the body after ingestion.Nortilidin is converted. This active substance binds to special receptors in the brain and spinal cord, the so-called Opioidrezeptoren . This suppresses the transmission of pain signals and the sensation of pain is noticeably reduced.
The effects of tilidine usually begins within 10 to 30 minutes and holds for about 4 to 6 hours on. It not only provides pain relief, but can also have a calming effect. In higher doses, it can even lead to a slight feeling of euphoria - one reason why tilidine is often abused.
What symptoms does tilidine relieve?
Tilidine is mainly used for:
- severe acute pain (e.g. after operations),
- Chronic pain (e.g. for osteoarthritis or cancer),
- and painful injuries used.
Why is tilidine combined with naloxone?
An important point: In Germany, tilidine is almost always used with Naloxon combined. This antidote blocks the effects of tilidine if it is taken in excessive doses or is to be injected. This is intended to make it more difficult to abuse the drug.
Side effects and risks of tilidine
As with many strong painkillers, taking tilidine also comes with side effects and risks. Although it effectively relieves pain, it can lead to serious health problems if used incorrectly.
Tilidine side effects
The most common side effects often occur even when taken correctly and include
- Tiredness and drowsiness
- Schwindel and drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Verstopfung (typical for opioids)
- Kopfschmerzen
Rarer, but potentially more dangerous:
- Breathing problems or respiratory depression
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Low blood pressure
Dependency potential and abuse
Tilidine is a opioid painkiller and therefore has a high risk of psychological and physical dependence. Addiction can quickly develop, especially with long-term use or abuse - for example, through overdosing or injecting the drug.
Tilidine long-term damage: an overview of the long-term consequences
If tilidine is taken over a long period of time or in high doses, this can have serious consequences for the body and mind. The liver, which converts tilidine into its active form, is particularly affected. Over time, this long-term exposure can lead to serious damage such as a fatty liver or even liver cirrhosis. The kidneys also suffer from the constant excretion of the breakdown products and can be permanently damaged by chronic consumption. However, long-term abuse not only has a physical but also a psychological impact. Many people feel emotionally "blunted" and develop
- Depression: Permanent depression and listlessness.
- Angstzustände: Often associated with panic attacks, which can also occur independently of the intake phase.
- Abhängigkeit: The feeling of no longer being able to live normally without tilidine.
The central nervous system (CNS) also feels the consequences. Many sufferers complain of concentration difficulties, memory problems or a general deterioration in mental performance. In severe cases, permanent breathing problems or seizures can occur, which are often no longer fully reversible. In addition to the physical and psychological damage, tilidine abuse also has a strong impact on social life. Relationships with family and friends suffer from the personality changes, and professional difficulties are often the result because cognitive abilities continue to decline. In addition, there are financial problems, as tilidine can be a costly addiction, especially when obtained illegally.
All these factors make it clear how dangerous the long-term abuse of tilidine is. The physical damage, psychological stress and social consequences add up to a massive problem. This is why it is so important to intervene early and seek help when the first warning signs of dependence appear. Tilidine should always be taken with the utmost caution and only under medical supervision.
Tilidine and dosage: what should be considered?
The correct dosage of tilidine is crucial to effectively relieve pain and minimise side effects and the risk of addiction. The recommended dose depends on the type and severity of the pain as well as individual factors such as age and weight.
Standard dosage of tilidine
In Germany, tilidine is usually used in combination with Naloxon prescribed, often in the dosage Tilidine 50/4 mg . It says:
- 50 mg tilidine: The painkiller content.
- 4 mg naloxone: Protection against misuse.
Typical dosage recommendations:
- For acute pain: 1 to 2 tablets or drops of 50/4 mg every 6 to 8 hours.
- Maximum daily dose: 600 mg tilidine. This amount should never be exceeded.
Important: The exact dosage should always be determined by a doctor, especially in the case of chronic pain or special circumstances.
Tilidine drops or tablets: What is the difference?
- Tilidine drops: Are often used when needed, as they work more quickly. They are easier to dose individually and are therefore suitable for patients with varying levels of pain.
- Tilidine tablets: Have a slightly longer duration of action and are better suited for continuous pain therapy.
What should I bear in mind when taking it?
- Take tilidine only as directed by a doctor: An overdose can have serious consequences such as respiratory depression or unconsciousness.
- Do not chew or crush: This is particularly important for slow-release tablets in order to avoid releasing too much active ingredient at once.
- Be careful with alcohol: The combination of tilidine and alcohol can increase the side effects and lead to life-threatening complications.
Special case: Tilidine 50/4 mg
This combination is the standard in Germany and is prescribed to minimise the potential for abuse. Naloxone prevents tilidine from developing a euphoric effects when abused, e.g. by injection. When taken regularly, naloxone does not develop effects as it does not become active in the intestine.
Tilidine in pop culture and as a drug
In recent years, tilidine has not only gained notoriety in medicine, but also in pop culture and as a drug. The painkiller has taken on a controversial role, particularly among young people and in certain music genres. But why is tilidine so popular - and what dangers does its abuse entail?
Tilidine in pop culture
Tilidine appears again and again in the lyrics of various rappers. In the hip-hop and rap scene, the substance is often used as a synonym for strength, painlessness or a life at the limit. Examples of this can be found in songs that celebrate tilidine as a symbol of escapism or as a kind of "lifestyle drug".
The glamorisation of the drug has led to it becoming known as a "trend drug", especially among young people. This is not without consequences: Many young people underestimate the risks and experiment with tilidine, often without medical supervision.
Why is tilidine abused as a drug?
Tilidine is frequently abused because it can cause euphoric effects can have. Typical reasons for abuse are:
- The feeling of euphoria: In high doses, tilidine has a calming effect and produces a high.
- Anxiety and stress reduction: Some take it to suppress everyday problems.
- Easy availability: Despite the prescription requirement, tilidine is traded on the black market.
The dangers of tilidine as a drug
The abuse of tilidine is extremely dangerous and can quickly lead to serious damage to health:
- High risk of addiction: Tilidine is both physically and psychologically addictive.
- Life-threatening overdose: Too much tilidine can lead to Atemdepression in which breathing is dangerously slowed down.
- Damage to the organs: Long-term abuse puts a strain on the liver and kidneys and can lead to irreversible damage.
- Social problems: Dependence on tilidine often leads to conflicts in the social environment and financial difficulties.
The role of naloxone in abuse
In Germany, tilidine is almost always sold in combination with naloxone. This additive is intended to prevent the drug from being misused, e.g. by injection. Nevertheless, consumers repeatedly find ways to circumvent this protective measure, for example by manipulating the tablets.
Tilidine: From drug to source of danger
Tilidine is a drug with great benefits in pain therapy, but it is also a frightening example of how substances can become a dangerous trend in pop culture. The glorified portrayal in the music scene is particularly problematic, as it often conceals the risks.
