laudanum
Victorian painkiller drops
Laudanum is a tincture of opium dissolved in alcohol, once widely used as a painkiller and sedative.
It was a common household remedy in the 18th and 19th centuries, prescribed for everything from coughs to insomnia to infant teething.
Many notable figures became addicted to it, and its unrestricted availability contributed to widespread opium dependency before modern drug regulations.
The word now evokes Victorian-era medicine cabinets and the darker side of patent remedies.
Opioid analgesic medication
- codeineOpium-derived painkiller
- opiumNarcotic from scored seedpods
- poppyScarlet bloom, opium source
- alkaloidNitrogenous plant compound
narcotic · heroin · fentanyl · oxycodone · methadone · buprenorphine · hydrocodone · tramadol
Mythical healing draught
- solutionAnswer or liquid mixture
- mixtureCombined but unbonded substances
- extractConcentrated derived substance
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
dropper · drops · dose · dram · bottle · vial · apothecary · pharmacy
Historical medicine preparer
- patent medicineTrademarked unproven remedy
- quackeryFraudulent medical practice
- nostrumUnproven pet remedy
- physicMedicinal substance or treatment
consumption · cholera · humors · bloodletting · charlatan · panacea · cure-all · teething
State of needing another
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- cravingPowerful urge to have
- habit-formingCausing repeated compulsive use
opium-eater · abuse · relapse · compulsive · intoxication · hooked · enslavement · detoxification
Medication reducing discomfort
- reliefEasing of distress
- numbingCausing loss of sensation
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- anodyneRelieves pain or offense
easing · dulling · alleviation · palliative · calming · sedation · analgesia · therapeutic
Causing drowsiness or slumber
- soporificInducing drowsiness
- drowsyNearly falling asleep
- hypnoticInducing trance or slumber
- tranquilizingAdministering calming drugs
somnolent · slumber · restful · quietude · lullaby · lethargy · stupefying · unconsciousness
morphine
Opioid analgesic medication
alkaloid · narcotic · heroin · fentanyl · oxycodone · methadone · buprenorphine · hydrocodone · tramadol · receptor
elixir
Mythical healing draught
- solutionAnswer or liquid mixture
- mixtureCombined but unbonded substances
- extractConcentrated derived substance
alcohol · dropper · drops · dose · dram · bottle · vial · apothecary · pharmacy · concoction
apothecary
Historical medicine preparer
- patent medicineTrademarked unproven remedy
- quackeryFraudulent medical practice
- nostrumUnproven pet remedy
physic · consumption · cholera · humors · bloodletting · charlatan · panacea · cure-all · teething · workhouse
dependence
State of needing another
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- cravingPowerful urge to have
habit-forming · opium-eater · abuse · relapse · compulsive · intoxication · hooked · enslavement · detoxification · rehabilitation
painkiller
Medication reducing discomfort
anodyne · easing · dulling · alleviation · palliative · calming · sedation · analgesia · therapeutic · comforting
sleep-inducing
Causing drowsiness or slumber
tranquilizing · somnolent · slumber · restful · quietude · lullaby · lethargy · stupefying · unconsciousness · comatose
- drugsibuprofen, marijuana, aspirin, meth, cocaine
- apothecarypharmacy, apothecary, drugstore, dispensary, pharmacist
- colonial medicinebloodletting, leeches, colonial medicine, cupping, apothecary
- folk medicinefolk medicine, herbalism, herbal remedies, folk healer, herbal medicine
- military medicinecombat medics, combat medic, field hospitals, army surgeon, combat medicine
- old medicinebloodletting, leeches, leech therapy, leeching, cupping
laudanumstimulant
Alertness-boosting drug
amphetamine · cocaine · caffeine · smelling salts · methamphetamine
laudanumstimulant
Alertness-boosting drug
smelling salts · sobriety · clear-headedness · cold water · wakefulness