What Is Laudanum?
Laudanum is a tincture of opium mixed with alcohol, or ethanol. Its primary ingredients are the opium alkaloids codeine and morphine. Laudanum was once considered a cure-all, particularly during the 19th century when medications were scarce. Today, it is rarely prescribed but can be an effective treatment for severe diarrhea or opioid withdrawal syndrome in infants.
Like other opioids, laudanum is considered highly addictive and can lead to substance use disorder. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified it as a Schedule II controlled substance alongside other opiates like morphine and oxycodone. [1] People with a history of substance use disorder, including alcohol use disorder, should avoid taking laudanum.
History of Laudanum
The original formula for laudanum can be credited to the 16th-century alchemist Paracelsus. [2] His version was combined with lavish ingredients like gold and pearls, but the main ingredient was opium. By the 17th century, a standardized recipe for the opium tincture emerged, consisting of opium powder mixed with alcohol. This formulation was credited to Thomas Sydenham.
Laudanum reached its peak of popularity during the nineteenth-century Victorian era. It was widely prescribed by doctors for a broad range of conditions, from gastrointestinal problems to mental health issues.
Literature and Laudanum
Victorian era authors and poets turned to laudanum not for pain relief, but for a spark of creativity. Namely, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Elizabeth Barrett Browning were among those who used the drug as a muse of sorts.
Not surprisingly, many people who used laudanum for recreational purposes, such as this (and some who didn’t) became addicted to laudanum. Laudanum addiction is similar to physical dependence on other opiate drugs such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone.
Modern Applications of Laudanum
As medical research advanced, laudanum use was all but discontinued. The use of laudanum today is very limited. Because there are other, more effective medications for pain relief without the dangerous side effects of laudanum, it’s been largely discarded.
However, laudanum is sometimes prescribed by healthcare professionals as a drug for the treatment of severe diarrhea.[4] Doctors usually only recommend this treatment when other viable therapies have failed. Laudanum finds another use as a treatment for newborns born with opioid use disorder as a result of the mother’s drug use. In this role, it can be helpful in treating the infant’s withdrawal symptoms.
Drug and Medical Interactions
If your doctor does recommend laudanum, be sure to tell them about any other medications you’re taking, including prescription drugs, recreational substances, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements, as laudanum has been associated with some adverse drug interactions.
Also tell your doctor about any medical conditions you currently have or have had in the past, especially: [5]
- Alcohol use disorder or any other substance use disorder
- Brain disease
- Stomach bleeding
- Liver disease
- Head injuries
- Breathing problems
Side Effects of Laudanum
Some of the common side effects associated with this opium tincture include: [6]
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hives or welts
Risk Factors of Laudanum Addiction
Not everyone who takes laudanum will become addicted, but the risk is high. You may have a higher risk of developing opioid use disorder if you have any of the following risk factors: [7]
- A family history of substance use disorder
- Adverse childhood experiences like neglect or abuse
- Chronic pain
- Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
People with these risk factors should avoid the use of laudanum or other opioid drugs.
Signs of Laudanum Addiction
Laudanum addiction is considered a form of opioid use disorder. Someone addicted to laudanum may display similar symptoms as someone who is addicted to modern opioid drugs like oxycodone or morphine. Signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder typically include:[8]
- Intense cravings for laudanum
- Using laudanum in dangerous situations, such as while driving
- Using laudanum despite it causing issues in your relationship
- Continuing to use laudanum despite it exacerbating a physical or mental health condition
- Failing to meet responsibilities or deadlines due to laudanum use
- Giving up activities so you can use laudanum
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop using laudanum or cut back on use
- Trouble controlling how much laudanum you take or for how long
- Needing more and more laudanum to achieve the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking laudanum
If you or a loved one is experiencing two or more symptoms, this could be indicative of opioid use disorder. Early treatment may prevent this disorder from progressing, as substance use disorders typically do when left untreated. The more symptoms you have, the more serious your condition could be. Severe laudanum dependence may require medical detoxification and intensive drug rehabilitation.
Laudanum Withdrawal Symptoms
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking a particular drug like laudanum is a hallmark symptom of physical dependence. With laudanum, withdrawal effects may include: [9]
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Dilated pupils
- Stomach cramping
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
In many cases, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can create barriers to the detox process. Treatment centers may provide medications known to reduce withdrawal symptoms in order to promote successful recovery.
Laudanum Overdose Symptoms
Opium is a central nervous system depressant. It can cause respiratory depression, meaning a heavy dose could slow or stop a person’s breathing, resulting in death. If a loved one is taking laudanum or any other opiate drug, it could be crucial to know the warning signs of an overdose, such as: [10]
- Confusion
- Cold sweats
- Anxiety
- Pinpoint pupils
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Blurry vision
- Raspy breathing
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Severe drowsiness
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Tremor
- Seizures
- Unresponsiveness
Signs of an opium overdose should be treated as a medical emergency. Administer naloxone if you have it and call 911.
Long-Term Effects of Laudanum
Taking laudanum or any other type of opioid drug could lead to long-term physical and mental health effects, including: [11]
- Chronic constipation
- Sleep disorders
- Increased pain sensitivity
- Sexual dysfunction
- Decreased immune function
- Depression
- Heart attack
Laudanum Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one is addicted to laudanum, other opiates, or any other drug, compassionate and effective treatment is available. Substance abuse and addiction aren’t meant to be faced alone. When you contact a substance use and rehabilitation counselor, they can help you explore a range of evidence-based treatment options, including medical detox and outpatient treatment, that could give you a new lease on life.
