brain pain

is demerol a drug that will help stop very painful long lasting re occuring headaches?
i have headaches that are almost everyday and last almost 8 hrs several medications ranging from otc to antidepressant type have been tried now i have been refered to neurology my 1st mri was unremarkable and i may be getting a second one soon
but i have been told that the doctor may prescribe demerol for my painful headaches will it help and what are the side effects i should know about?

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,

Pethidine or demerol is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain Demerol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Demerol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. In addition to the adverse effects common to all opioids, such as constipation, dry mouth, lightheadedness, twitchiness, muscular twitches, and nausea, the repeated administration of pethidine can lead to neurotoxic effects. Pethidine should ideally not be administered by the intravenous route as there is a serious risk of triggering histamine release.
Best