[print
friendly page]
Paraldehyde
Paraldehyde (Paral®)
is a Schedule IV depressant used most frequently in hospital settings
to treat delirium tremens associated with alcohol withdrawal. Many individuals
who become addicted to paraldehyde have been initially exposed during
treatment for alcoholism and, despite the disagreeable odor and taste,
come to prefer it to alcohol. This drug is not used by injection because
of tissue damage, and taken orally, it can be irritating to the throat
and stomach. One of the signs of paraldehyde use is a strong, characteristic
smell to the breath.
|