Dilaudid Warning Signs & Side Effects

Dilaudid is a heavy-duty narcotic pain medication from the opioid family of medications and often carries warning signs and side effects with it as it is a strong medication with the high chance of being abused or causing an addiction with the user. Let’s take a look at the Dilaudid warning signs and side effects that might help the user or friend/relative of the user become aware of the dangers of developing a Dilaudid addiction.

What is Dilaudid?

Before we delve into the Dilaudid warning signs and side effects of the drug, let’s focus on a broader understanding of what the medication is, how it is used and its impact on the human body. Dilaudid is the brand name of the medication Hydromorphone, which belongs to the group of medicines known as narcotic analgesics. These are medications that are used to relieve pain. Dilaudid is one such medication that is primarily used to treat high levels of pain that may be chronic or long-term. Dilaudid is about eight times stronger than that of Morphine, which is why it is typically not used to treat low levels or moderate levels of pain in patients. Usage of Dilaudid among these patients, those who may not need such a strong narcotic, can increase the chance of addiction and abuse.

Hydromorphone, or Dilaudid, acts on the human body’s central nervous system to change the way the CNS responds to the body’s pain receptors. Dilaudid works by attaching to specific proteins in the body called opioid receptors. These are found on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, GI tract as well as other organs throughout the body.

How Can a Dilaudid Addiction Begin?

An addiction to any kind of opioid medication, like Dilaudid, can occur because opioids are known for producing an increased sense of well-being, comfort, and pleasure. This happens because these types of drugs affect regions of the brain that are involved in feelings of reward. Those who abuse drugs like Dilaudid may take the chance to intensify the feelings by taking the drugs in other ways than as prescribed, like more frequently or in higher doses, or even if they don’t need it. Some may take it via injection, by snorting crushed up versions of the pill, etc. Unfortunately abusing how the drug is taken can lead to increased risks of serious medical complications including respiratory distress, addiction and even a coma.

For example, when a drug that is designed as an extended release, is crushed up as a pill and snorted, it goes directly into the bloodstream. The danger in this is that the amount of medicine in that extended-release tablet is higher than normal because of the way it works on the body. This immediate release into the bloodstream with a higher dose can result in serious medical complications.

Warning Signs of a Dilaudid Addiction:

Those who are abusing the drug may exhibit similar symptoms. These can include:

• Mood swings
• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Loss of alertness
• Constricted pupils
• Muscle spasms

Signs of a Dilaudid Overdose

In the most extreme of circumstances, it is important to be aware of the Dilaudid warning signs of an overdose. These can include:

• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting
• Weak pulse
• Shallow breathing
• Bluish-colored lips

If you suspect someone you know has experienced a Dilaudid overdose, medical attention must be had right away.

Side Effects of a Dilaudid Addiction and/or Dilaudid Abuse:

Side Effects related to the useage  of Dilaudid can occur even if the drug is not being abused, however if these symptoms are severe or do not go away, it is important to contact your doctor right away.

• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
• Anxiety
• Flushing
• Depression
• Dry mouth
• Muscle pain
• Heavy sweating
• Itching

The following are the Dilaudid side effects listed in the Important Warning portion of the drug information. If you experience any of them, be sure to contact your doctor right away:

• Rash
• Hives
• Swelling on the face, eyes, mouth, legs, hands, ankles feet or throat
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness
• Agitation
• Severe muscle pain or spasms
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Fainting or extreme drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Irregular menstruation

In Conclusion

As evidenced by the information above, taking a heavy narcotic like Dilaudid is serious and should be treated as such. The Dilaudid warning signs and side effects relating to addiction and abuse can cause serious medical concern. It is important to contact a healthcare professional right away if there are any issues while taking this medication.

Sources:

Medlineplus.gov

Mayoclinic.org

Addictioncenter.com

drugabuse.gov

aforeverrecovery.com