NALORPHINE

also called N-allylnormorphine, morphine derivative and a pharmacologic antagonist to morphine, meperidine, and methadone. Like these depressants, nalorphine is considered a narcotic, but it reverses respiratory depression and other symptoms of an overdose of narcotics. Since nalorphine precipitates acute withdrawal symptoms when administered to morphine addicts, it has been used to diagnose addiction. Nalorphine is ineffective against respiratory depression caused by barbiturates and general anesthetics. Its overdose may cause serious bodily disturbances.