Products
Medicines containing desomorphine are not available in many countries. Desomorphine is a narcotic subject to enhanced prescription (dispensing category A+). It was commercially available decades ago under the brand name Permonid (Roche).
Structure and properties
Desomorphine (C17H21NO2, Mr = 271.4 g/mol) is des-O-morphine, i.e., morphine lacking an oxygen. It is equivalent to morphine except for the secondary hydroxyl group and the double bond and is also known as 7,8-dihydro-6-deoxymorphine. Desomorphine was synthesized in 1932 and patented in 1934. It was originally developed as a successor to morphine and was also intended to be used in drug withdrawal, but is apparently even more addictive. Desomorphine can be obtained from precursor chemicals by catalytic hydrogenation, for example.
Effects
Desomorphine (ATC N02A) is potent and short-acting analgesic, depressant, and euphoric.
Indications for use
Desomorphine is not currently used as a drug. According to media reports, it is abused as a narcotic and cheap alternative to heroin in Russia and, more recently, in Germany. It is manufactured by the addicts themselves from over-the-counter drugs containing codeine as well as chemicals such as iodine, red phosphorus (match heads), paint thinner, hydrochloric acid and gasoline. This toxic cocktail is subsequently injected intravenously.
Adverse effects
Due to the manufacturing process, which leads to contamination of the product, numerous health problems arise in addition to the typical opioid side effects. Among other effects, the drug causes tissue death and is said to lead to death within a few months of repeated use.
