Dilaudid is a potent opioid prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also known by its generic name, hydromorphone. While Dilaudid is effective at relieving pain, it can also have serious side effects, including addiction. Others include overdose, and chronic illnesses that can affect both physical and mental health.
If you or a loved one is using Dilaudid, it’s important to be aware of these risks and know how to seek help if needed.
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What Is Dilaudid?
Owing to the significant potential for abuse and dependency, Dilaudid is categorized as a Schedule II restricted substance. It blocks pain signals by binding to opioid receptors working in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, Dilaudid causes dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to rewards and pleasure, to be released. Over time, Dilaudid addiction may result from the brain’s desire for more of these effects due to this enjoyable sensation.
Doctors prescribe Dilaudid for pain relief related to conditions like cancer, major surgeries, or serious injuries. How Dilaudid is taken affects how long it takes to start working:
- 30 minutes to an hour orally
- Snorted: roughly five minutes
- Instantaneous injection
The effects of the medication usually last four to six hours. In hospital settings, Dilaudid is administered as an injection, pill, and oral liquid. Dilaudid should always be kept at room temperature and out of children’s reach to avoid accidental intake. Make sure to keep Dilaudid at room temperature and store it out of reach of children to avoid any accidental swallowing.
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How Dilaudid Is Used and Misused
When taken as directed, Dilaudid effectively reduces pain. But its abuse has grown to be a serious issue. Individuals who abuse Dilaudid may partake in risky behaviors such as:
- Consuming excessive amounts
- Chewing the pills will have an immediate impact
- Crushing into powder and snorting
- Sometimes the medication is injected after being combined with other substances
The likelihood of addiction, overdose, and other serious Dilaudid side effects is greatly increased by these behaviors. People who experience chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any other disorder of the lungs are not supposed to take Dilaudid as it can increase the severity of the trouble breathing problems.
Typical Side Effects of Dilaudid
Even when taken according to prescription, Dilaudid might have typical side effects. Painkiller Dilaudid side effects are usually easy to manage in the beginning, they can become dangerous. A few of the most common Dilaudid side effects are as follows:
- Drowsiness
- Appetite loss, nausea vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Dryness of mouth
- Unsteadiness or lightheadedness
- Excessive sweating
Although these adverse effects may be distressing at first, they usually go away as your body adjusts to the medications in usage.
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FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineSerious Dilaudid Implications
There are more severe side effects that are life-threatening with hydromorphone. In case you have one of the following conditions, you need to address a doctor as soon as possible:
- Pain or Tightness in the chest
- Dreadful stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing or shallow rapid breathing
- Unsteady pulse or low blood pressure
- Alterations in mood, confusion, or agitation
- Abnormal or allergic reactions (e.g. rash, itching, swelling)
- Skin or lips that are bluish
- Vision changes
These could mean that the person took an overdose, and death could be a result unless it is countered soon. Overdose may be a result of misuse or a sudden change in tolerance to the drug in the body, so it is wise to be attentive to variations in your symptoms.
Long-Term Risks of Dilaudid Use
Dependence on Dilaudid over a prolonged time may result in severe health concerns. These may be physical and mental. Some of the possible risks of taking Dilaudid are:
- Physical dependence: The body becomes dependent in order to function normally.
- Mental dependence: The brain becomes focused on obtaining and using Dilaudid to feel normal.
- Changes in the adrenal glands, affecting the production of important hormones.
- Central nervous system problems, such as difficulty thinking clearly, memory loss, or cognitive impairment.
- A reduced ability to manage pain without the use of opioids.
When people abruptly stop taking Dilaudid, they experience severe withdrawal effects. Therefore, always consult a doctor before stopping Dilaudid intake.
Who Is Susceptible to Dilaudid Abuse?
The risks of abusing Dilaudid are higher in certain groups of people, including:
- Early adults, particularly those aged 18-25
- People residing in suburban or rural regions
Dilaudid may also be obtained illicitly via methods such as visiting various physicians to acquire prescriptions or via prescription forgery or even drug store theft. In the streets, it can be known as M-80s, Peaches, or Dillies. Dilaudid, when taken with alcohol, is very dangerous and should only be used as prescribed. This combination may considerably increase the likelihood of overdosing or experiencing adverse outcomes.
Signs of Dilaudid Overdose
One of the worse effects that can happen during the misuse of this medicine is an overdose of Dilaudid. The Dilaudid overdose symptoms include:
- Heavy breathing during exercises or running
- Extremely sleepy or unresponsive
- Low pulse
- Skin that is cold, clammy
- Smaller pupils
Dilaudid abuse through snorting, smoking, and injection predisposes the patient to an overdose of the drug. If you suspect an overdose, seek health care immediately. When used with alcohol or other sedatives, Dilaudid may lead to severe overdose levels.
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Addiction to Dilaudid and Withdrawal
One of the major problems with Dilaudid is that addiction may occur quickly, mainly due to continued usage or increased doses. Some symptoms of addiction to Dilaudid include:
- Strong desire to use the drug
- Consuming an excessive quantity of the drug beyond what is recommended
- Side effects of withdrawal in the absence of medication
Common Dilaudid withdrawal symptoms are:
- Fear or excitement
- Muscle pains
- Sweating and shivers
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Nausea and confusion
The best way to respond to Dilaudid withdrawal is with the assistance of a detox program. Medical professionals can help patients wean off the drug slowly in order to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Dilaudid Addiction Treatment
For those battling Dilaudid addiction and its negative effects, We Level Up Washington provides all-encompassing care. Our programs are designed to help people at every step of their healing process, such as:
- Medical detox: To safely handle withdrawal while being closely monitored by a physician
- Inpatient rehabilitation: Consistent care in a controlled setting
- Outpatient care: Adaptable therapeutic alternatives for continuous healing
- Behavioral therapy: To treat the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction
- Aftercare support: Helping sustain long-term recovery and avoid relapse
To deliver a comprehensive rehabilitation process, we also provide dual diagnosis treatment to individuals with both addiction and mental health complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Where in Spokane Valley, Washington can you find treatment for Dilaudid side effects?
We Level Up Washington in Spokane Valley offers comprehensive detox, rehab, and behavioral support for individuals struggling with Dilaudid pain medication side effects and addiction.
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Where in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho can you find treatment for Dilaudid side effects?
We Level Up Washington in Coeur d’Alene offers expert care for those dealing with side effects from hydromorphone and related mental health issues.
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What levels of care are available at We Level Up New Jersey?
Our New Jersey rehab facility has levels of care, including medically-assisted detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient treatment. We tailor our treatment programs according to the requirements of every individual throughout recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Your social life, mental stability, and physical health may all be impacted by Dilaudid side effects. Contact We Level Up Washington today if you or a loved one is experiencing Dilaudid addiction, overdose worries, or requires assistance with side effect management.
Our staff is available to help you at every stage of the healing process. We are dedicated to helping you take back your life, and all calls are kept private.
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