How long does Desomorphine last?

The total duration of Desomorphine via oral is 3 hours to 4 hours.

SubstanceWiki

⌘K

Desomorphine — SubstanceWiki

Desomorphine

Substituted morphinans · Opioids

87 dangerous interactions — combining Desomorphine with certain substances may be life-threatening.

See all

Opioids(Substituted morphinans)

Quick Dosage

oral15–20 mg (common)

Total duration (oral)3hr–4hr

View full details

Semi-synthetic opioid, morphine analogue

Desomorphine (or in some formulations known as Krokodil) is a semi-synthetic opioid commercialized by Roche, with powerful, fast-acting effects, such as sedation and analgesia. It was first discovered and patented in Germany by a German team working for Knoll in 1920 but was not generally recognized. It was later synthesized in 1932 by American chemist Lyndon Frederick Small. Small also successfully patented it in 1934 in the United States. Desomorphine was used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland under the brand name Permonid and was described as having a fast onset and a short duration of action, with relatively little nausea compared to equivalent doses of morphine. Dose for dose it is roughly ten times more potent than morphine, with 1mg desomorphine being equivalent 10mg morphine, via the intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes.

Desomorphine is a morphine analogue where the 6-hydroxyl group and the 7,8 double bond have been reduced. The traditional synthesis of desomorphine starts from α-chlorocodide, which is itself obtained by treating codeine with thionyl chloride. By catalytic reduction, α-chlorocodide gives dihydrodesoxycodeine, which yields desomorphine on demethylation.

A desomorphine product, usually based on codeine, has been developed as a recreational drug. The product in question is typically a highly impure variant of desomorphine. The scaly sores and necrosis that develop around the injection site has prompted the name krokodil (Russian for crocodile).

How It Feels

Desomorphine strikes with a velocity that borders on violent. Within moments of entering the bloodstream, it detonates a rush of warmth so intense and so sudden that the body recoils before surrendering to it. The onset is not a transition -- it is a collision, a full-body impact that obliterates the boundary between discomfort and relief in a single, devastating instant. The rush is often described as comparable to heroin but compressed into an even narrower window, a concentrated blast of mu-opioid activation that saturates every receptor it can reach.

At the peak, the body becomes a furnace of artificial comfort. Warmth radiates from the core with an almost unbearable intensity, flooding the extremities, dissolving muscular tension with the efficiency of a solvent. The euphoria is profound and immediate -- not the gentle contentment of weaker opioids but a roaring, all-consuming satisfaction that crowds out every other sensation. The mind goes quiet. Thought does not so much slow as become unnecessary; the body is so thoroughly saturated with pleasure that cognition seems redundant. Pain, anxiety, memory -- all of it retreats behind a wall of pharmacological warmth so thick it feels permanent, even though some part of you knows it is not.

The physical signature is unmistakable: pinpoint pupils, skin flushed and warm to the touch, breathing reduced to a shallow, almost imperceptible rhythm. Nausea may strike but is often overridden by the sheer force of the euphoria. The characteristic opioid itch manifests strongly, crawling across the face and chest, but even this sensation is woven into the tapestry of pleasure, something to scratch with absent, dreamy satisfaction. The limbs are impossibly heavy, weighted with a gravitational pull that makes standing feel like an act of defiance against the compound's will.

But desomorphine's defining characteristic is its brevity. The peak lasts perhaps ninety minutes to two hours before the warmth begins to evaporate with startling speed. The decline is precipitous -- the wall of comfort crumbles rather than erodes, and the body is left exposed to the raw air of baseline consciousness with jarring suddenness. Muscles that were liquid moments ago begin to ache. The stomach turns. A creeping dysphoria seeps in from the edges, cold and insistent, the photographic negative of the warmth that preceded it.

The aftermath is harsh and unforgiving. The brevity of the experience means the body cycles from peak to withdrawal with punishing frequency. Within hours of the last dose, restlessness and discomfort announce themselves with a clarity that makes the preceding euphoria feel like a hallucination. Sleep is elusive, the body too agitated to rest, the mind too aware of the emptiness where warmth used to be.

Pharmacology

he drug can be made from codeine and iodine derived from over-the-counter medications and red phosphorus from match strikers, in a process similar to the manufacturing of methamphetamine from pseudoephedrine. Like methamphetamine, desomorphine made this way is often contaminated with various agents. The street name in Russia for homemade desomorphine is krokodil (Russian: крокодил, crocodile), possibly related to the chemical name of the precursor α-chlorocodide, or the resemblance of the skin damage caused by the drug to a crocodile's leather.

Like other opiates, desomorphine exerts its effects by binding to and activating the μ-opioid receptor as an agonist. This occurs due to the way in which opioids functionally mimic the body's natural endorphins. Endorphins are responsible for analgesia (pain reduction), sleepiness, and feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. They can be released in response to pain, strenuous exercise, orgasm, or excitement. This mimicking of natural endorphins results in the drug's euphoric, analgesic (pain relief), and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.

Due to a lack of anecdotal reports using high purity desomorphine, the following effects are extrapolated from early clinical reports and inferences based on its relation to codeine and morphine. Desomorphine is considered to be powerfully euphoric opiate analgesia, with a fast onset and shorter duration that can encourage compulsive usage.

Toxicity of desomorphine

Like most opioids, unadulterated desomorphine does not cause many long-term complications other than dependence and constipation. Outside of the extremely powerful addiction and physical dependence potential, the harmful or toxic aspects of desomorphine usage are exclusively associated with not taking appropriate precautions in regards to its administration, overdosing and using impure products derived from low-quality black-market self-manufacture.

Animal studies comparing pure desomorphine to morphine showed it to have increased toxicity, more potent relief of pain, higher levels of sedation, decreased respiration, and increased digestive activity

Heavy dosages of desomorphine can result in respiratory depression, leading to fatal or dangerous levels of anoxia (oxygen deprivation). This occurs because the breathing reflex is suppressed by agonism of µ-opioid receptors proportional to the dosage consumed.

Desomorphine can also cause nausea and vomiting; a significant number of deaths attributed to opioid overdose are caused by aspiration of vomit by an unconscious victim. This is when an unconscious or semi-conscious user who is lying on their back vomits into their mouth and unknowingly suffocates. It can be prevented by ensuring that one is lying on their side with their head tilted downwards so that the airways cannot be blocked in the event of vomiting while unconscious (also known as the recovery position).

Toxicity of "krokodil"

Illicitly produced desomorphine is typically far from pure and often contains large amounts of toxic substances as a result of being "cooked" and used without any significant effort to remove the byproducts and leftovers from synthesis. Injecting any such mixture can cause serious damage to the skin, blood vessels, bone, and muscles, sometimes requiring limb amputation in long-term users.

Causes of this damage include iodine, phosphorus, and leftover solvents like gasoline and paint-thinner that are not adequately removed after synthesis. Strong acids and bases such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are also employed without measuring pH of the final solution. Failure to remove insoluble fillers and binding aids from the codeine tablets used as starting material, as well as co-administration with pharmaceuticals such as tropicamide, are also cited as possible contributors to the high toxicity observed in users.

The frequent occurrence of tissue damage and infection among illicit users are what gained the drug its nickname of the "flesh-eating drug." The pure form of the drug itself does not cause this damage. Despite the severe health impacts and short survival times commonly reported, there are also rarer cases of krokodil users more skilled in the manufacturing process who have used the drug for many years without experiencing the tissue damage associated with the impure "street" product.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

As with other opiate-based painkillers, the chronic use of desomorphine can be considered extremely addictive and is capable of causing both physical and psychological dependence. When physical dependence has developed, withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of desomorphine develops with prolonged use, including therapeutic effects. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. The rate at which this occurs develops at different rates for different effects with tolerance to the euphoric effects growing most quickly. Desomorphine presents cross-tolerance with Cross-all other opioids, meaning that after the consumption of desomorphine all opioids will have a reduced effect.

Overdose

Depending on drug interactions and numerous other factors, death from overdose can take anywhere from several minutes to several hours. Death usually occurs due to lack of oxygen resulting from the lack of breathing. Many fatalities reported as opiate overdoses are probably caused by interactions with other depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. It should also be noted that since opiates can cause nausea and vomiting, a significant number of deaths attributed to opiate overdose are caused by aspiration of vomit by an unconscious person.

The risk of fatal opioid overdoses rise sharply after a period of cessation and relapse, largely because of reduced tolerance. To account for this lack of tolerance, it is safer to only dose a fraction of one's usual dosage if relapsing. It has also been found that the environment one is in can play a role in opioid tolerance. In one scientific study, rats with the same history of heroin administration were significantly more likely to die after receiving their dose in an environment not associated with the drug in contrast to a familiar environment.

Opiate overdose is usually treated with an opioid antagonist, such as naloxone (Narcan). This reverses the effects of opioids like desomorphine and causes an immediate return of consciousness but may result in withdrawal symptoms. The half-life of naloxone is shorter than most opioids, so it may have to be administered multiple times until the body has metabolized the opioid.

Depressants** (1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B, alcohol, barbiturates, GHB/GBL, methaqualone, opioids) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation and sedation caused by each other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Germany:** Desomorphine is controlled under BtMG Anlage I, making it illegal to manufacture, import, possess, sell, or transfer it without a license.
Russia:** Desomorphine is a Schedule I controlled substance.
Switzerland: Desomorphine is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis A. Medicinal use is permitted.
United States:** Desomorphine is a Schedule I substance in the United States. It is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute without a DEA license.
Responsible use
Volumetric liquid dosing
Safer injection guide
Sharing injection materials
Cotton fever
Naloxone
Opioid
Codeine
Morphine
Desomorphine (Wikipedia)
Desomorphine (Erowid Vault)
Desomorphine (Isomer Design)
Desomorphine (DrugBank)
Gahr, M., Freudenmann, R. W., Hiemke, C., Gunst, I. M., Connemann, B. J., & Schönfeldt-Lecuona, C. (2012). Desomorphine goes “crocodile”. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 31(4), 407-412. https://doi.org/10.108//10550887.2012.735570

Detection Methods

Standard Drug Panel Inclusion

Desomorphine (colloquially associated with "krokodil") is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine that may be detected on standard opiate immunoassay panels. Its structural similarity to morphine means some cross-reactivity with opiate immunoassays is expected, though the degree of cross-reactivity varies by manufacturer. The extremely short half-life of desomorphine limits the detection window.

Urine Detection

Desomorphine has a very short elimination half-life (approximately 1 to 2.5 hours), resulting in a limited urine detection window of approximately 1 to 2 days. Metabolites include glucuronide conjugates. The rapid clearance means that sampling timing is critical for detection. Standard opiate immunoassays may detect desomorphine but cannot distinguish it from other opiates.

Blood and Saliva Detection

Blood concentrations of desomorphine decline very rapidly, with detection limited to approximately 6 to 12 hours after the last dose. The short detection window in blood makes timing of sample collection critical in forensic and clinical contexts.

Hair Follicle Detection

Hair testing can potentially detect desomorphine for up to 90 days, though the short half-life and rapid metabolism may result in lower hair incorporation compared to longer-acting opioids. Specialized LC-MS/MS methods targeting desomorphine are required.

Confirmatory Testing

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS can identify desomorphine and distinguish it from morphine, codeine, and other opioids based on molecular weight and fragmentation patterns. Forensic toxicology laboratories in regions where krokodil use is prevalent have developed validated methods for desomorphine detection.

Reagent Testing

Marquis reagent produces a purple color with desomorphine, consistent with the morphine-skeleton opiate reaction. Mecke reagent shows a blue-green color. These reactions are indistinguishable from morphine by reagent testing alone. In practice, illicit desomorphine preparations contain numerous impurities and byproducts from crude synthesis, which may alter reagent reactions.

Interactions

Substance	Status	Note
1,4-Butanediol	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
2M2B	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
3-Cl-PCP	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
3-HO-PCE	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
3-HO-PCP	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
3-MeO-PCE	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
3-MeO-PCMo	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
3-MeO-PCP	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
4-MeO-PCP	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Acetylfentanyl	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Alcohol	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Alprazolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Atropa belladonna	Dangerous	Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Baclofen	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Benzodiazepines	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Bromazepam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Buprenorphine	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Cake	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Carisoprodol	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Clonazepam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Clonazolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Clonidine	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Codeine	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Datura	Dangerous	Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Deschloroetizolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Deschloroketamine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Dextromethorphan	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Dextropropoxyphene	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Diazepam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Diclazepam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Dihydrocodeine	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Diphenhydramine	Dangerous	Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Diphenidine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Ephenidine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Eszopiclone	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Ethylmorphine	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Etizolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
F-Phenibut	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Fentanyl	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Flualprazolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Flubromazepam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Flubromazolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Flunitrazepam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Flunitrazolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Gabapentin	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Gaboxadol	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
GBL	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
GHB	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Grayanotoxin	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Harmala alkaloid	Dangerous	Risk of serotonin syndrome and severe respiratory depression; potentially fatal
Heroin	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
HXE	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Hydrocodone	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Hydromorphone	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Inhalants	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Ketamine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Kratom	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Lorazepam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
MAOI	Dangerous	Risk of serotonin syndrome and severe respiratory depression; potentially fatal
Memantine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Mephenaqualone	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Methadone	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Methaqualone	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Methoxetamine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Methoxphenidine	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Metizolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Midazolam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Mirtazapine	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Morphine	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
MXiPr	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Myristicin	Dangerous	Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Naloxone	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Nicotine	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Nifoxipam	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Nitrous	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
O-Desmethyltramadol	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
O-PCE	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Oxycodone	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Oxymorphone	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
PCE	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
PCP	Dangerous	Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration
Peganum harmala	Dangerous	Risk of serotonin syndrome and severe respiratory depression; potentially fatal
Pentobarbital	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Pethidine	Dangerous	Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk
Phenobarbital	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
SAMe	Dangerous	Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
2-Aminoindane	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
2-FA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
2-FEA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
2-FMA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
2,5-DMA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
2C-H	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
3-FA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
3-FEA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
3-FMA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
3-FPM	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
3-MMC	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
3,4-CTMP	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
4-FA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
4-FMA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
4-MMC	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
4F-EPH	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
4F-MPH	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
5-APB	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
6-APDB	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
8-Chlorotheophylline	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
A-PHP	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
A-PVP	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Adrafinil	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Amphetamine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Armodafinil	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Benzydamine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Bromantane	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Butylone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Caffeine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Cocaine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Cyclazodone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Desoxypipradrol	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Dextroamphetamine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Dichloropane	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Ephedrine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Ephylone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
ETH-CAT	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Ethylone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Ethylphenidate	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Fenethylline	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Hexedrone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Isopropylphenidate	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Lisdexamfetamine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
MCPP	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
MDA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
MDMA	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
MDPV	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Mephedrone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Methamphetamine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Methcathinone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Methiopropamine	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Methylnaphthidate	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Methylone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Methylphenidate	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Mexedrone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Modafinil	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
N-Ethylhexedrone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
N-Methylbisfluoromodafinil	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
NEP	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
NM-2-AI	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Oxiracetam	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Pentedrone	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Phenylpiracetam	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
Rhodiola Rosea	Caution	Stimulants mask opioid sedation, increasing overdose risk when the stimulant wears off
2C-B	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
DMT	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
LSD	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
Mescaline	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
Psilocybin Mushrooms	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience

Showing 156 key interactions out of 232 total.

History

Desomorphine was first synthesized and patented in the United States in 1932. It was originally synthesized with the intention to create an alternative to morphine in terms of tolerance and addiction properties and improve the side effect profile. However, desomorphine fell short of these expectations and showed an increased dependence potential compared with morphine.

Desomorphine was used in Switzerland and introduced to the Swiss market in 1940 by the company Hoffman-La Roche, under the registered trade name of Permonid. It was used predominantly for postoperative pain due to its fast onset of action and reduced the tendency to cause respiratory depression and nausea. Its name is derived from crocodile (krokodil in Russian) and refers to the scaly, green-black skin discoloration frequently noted in its users. Krokodil is produced by synthesizing desomorphine from codeine and combining it with other low-cost, easily obtained additives. in a process similar to the manufacturing of methamphetamine from pseudoephedrine. Like methamphetamine, desomorphine made this way is often contaminated with various agents. The street name in Russia for homemade desomorphine iskrokodil (Russian: крокодил, crocodile), possibly related to the chemical name of the precursor α-chlorocodide, or the resemblance of the skin damage caused by the drug to a crocodile's leather.

Toxicity of desomorphine

Toxicity of "krokodil"

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Overdose

Depressants** (1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B, alcohol, barbiturates, GHB/GBL, methaqualone, opioids) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation and sedation caused by each other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Germany:** Desomorphine is controlled under BtMG Anlage I, making it illegal to manufacture, import, possess, sell, or transfer it without a license.
Russia:** Desomorphine is a Schedule I controlled substance.
Switzerland: Desomorphine is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis A. Medicinal use is permitted.
United States:** Desomorphine is a Schedule I substance in the United States. It is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute without a DEA license.
Responsible use
Volumetric liquid dosing
Safer injection guide
Sharing injection materials
Cotton fever
Naloxone
Opioid
Codeine
Morphine
Desomorphine (Wikipedia)
Desomorphine (Erowid Vault)
Desomorphine (Isomer Design)
Desomorphine (DrugBank)
Gahr, M., Freudenmann, R. W., Hiemke, C., Gunst, I. M., Connemann, B. J., & Schönfeldt-Lecuona, C. (2012). Desomorphine goes “crocodile”. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 31(4), 407-412. https://doi.org/10.108//10550887.2012.735570

Toxicity & Safety

Toxicity of desomorphine

Toxicity of "krokodil"

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Overdose

Depressants** (1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B, alcohol, barbiturates, GHB/GBL, methaqualone, opioids) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation and sedation caused by each other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Germany:** Desomorphine is controlled under BtMG Anlage I, making it illegal to manufacture, import, possess, sell, or transfer it without a license.
Russia:** Desomorphine is a Schedule I controlled substance.
Switzerland: Desomorphine is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis A. Medicinal use is permitted.
United States:** Desomorphine is a Schedule I substance in the United States. It is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute without a DEA license.
Responsible use
Volumetric liquid dosing
Safer injection guide
Sharing injection materials
Cotton fever
Naloxone
Opioid
Codeine
Morphine
Desomorphine (Wikipedia)
Desomorphine (Erowid Vault)
Desomorphine (Isomer Design)
Desomorphine (DrugBank)
Gahr, M., Freudenmann, R. W., Hiemke, C., Gunst, I. M., Connemann, B. J., & Schönfeldt-Lecuona, C. (2012). Desomorphine goes “crocodile”. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 31(4), 407-412. https://doi.org/10.108//10550887.2012.735570

Overdose Information

fatal or dangerous levels of anoxia (oxygen deprivation). This occurs because the breathing reflex is suppressed by agonism of µ-opioid receptors proportional to the dosage consumed.

Toxicity of "krokodil"

Dangerous Interactions

The combinations listed below may be life-threatening. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure safety when combining substances.

1,4-ButanediolDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

2-FluorodeschloroketamineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

2M2BDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

3-Cl-PCPDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

3-HO-PCEDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

3-HO-PCPDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

3-MeO-PCEDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

3-MeO-PCMoDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

3-MeO-PCPDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

4-MeO-PCPDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

AcetylfentanylDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

AlcoholDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

AlprazolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

Atropa belladonnaDangerous

Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure

BaclofenDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

BenzodiazepinesDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

BromazepamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

BuprenorphineDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

CakeDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

CarisoprodolDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

ClonazepamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

ClonazolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

ClonidineDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

CodeineDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

DaturaDangerous

Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure

DeschloroetizolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

DeschloroketamineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

DextromethorphanDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

DextropropoxypheneDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

DiazepamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

DiclazepamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

DihydrocodeineDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

DiphenhydramineDangerous

Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure

DiphenidineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

EphenidineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

EszopicloneDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

EthylmorphineDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

EtizolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

F-PhenibutDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

FentanylDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

FlualprazolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

FlubromazepamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

FlubromazolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

FlunitrazepamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

FlunitrazolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

GabapentinDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

GaboxadolDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

GBLDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

GHBDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

GrayanotoxinDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

Harmala alkaloidDangerous

Risk of serotonin syndrome and severe respiratory depression; potentially fatal

HeroinDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

HXEDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

HydrocodoneDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

HydromorphoneDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

InhalantsDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

KetamineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

KratomDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

LorazepamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

MAOIDangerous

Risk of serotonin syndrome and severe respiratory depression; potentially fatal

MemantineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

MephenaqualoneDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

MethadoneDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

MethaqualoneDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

MethoxetamineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

MethoxphenidineDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

MetizolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

MidazolamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths

MirtazapineDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

MorphineDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

MXiPrDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

MyristicinDangerous

Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure

NaloxoneDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

NicotineDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

NifoxipamDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

NitrousDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

O-DesmethyltramadolDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

O-PCEDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

OxycodoneDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

OxymorphoneDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

PCEDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

PCPDangerous

Both cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness; vomiting while dissociated risks aspiration

Peganum harmalaDangerous

Risk of serotonin syndrome and severe respiratory depression; potentially fatal

PentobarbitalDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

PethidineDangerous

Compounding respiratory depression and overdose risk

PhenobarbitalDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

SAMeDangerous

Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose

Full	Unknown
Half	Unknown
Zero	Unknown

Desomorphine

Quick Dosage

Dosage

oral

Duration

How It Feels

Subjective Effects

Physical Effects

Physical(6)

Cognitive & Perceptual Effects

Cognitive(4)

Pharmacology

Detection Methods

Standard Drug Panel Inclusion

Urine Detection

Blood and Saliva Detection

Hair Follicle Detection

Confirmatory Testing

Reagent Testing

Interactions

History

Harm Reduction

Toxicity & Safety

Overdose Information

Dangerous Interactions

Tolerance

Cross-tolerances

Legal Status

Experience Reports (2)

Tips (4)

See Also

References (5)

Frequently Asked Questions