Dilaudid Addiction, Side Effects, & Treatment Options

Dilaudid is a potent painkiller or analgesic belonging to the opioid drug family. While it can be helpful for those struggling with chronic pain, as an opioid Dialudid has the potential for misuse and addiction.

This page will explain what Dilaudid is, how it works, side effects, and how to get help if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to opioids.

What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) is a potent prescription opioid painkiller. Dilaudid is similar to morphine, methadone, heroin, oxycodone, and other opioid drugs, though it is significantly stronger than many other opioid drugs. It’s generally prescribed to treat chronic pain when other alternative treatments are inadequate.

How Does Dilaudid Work?

Dilaudid is used for acute management of moderate to severe chronic pain. Dilaudid acts in the same way as other opioid medications, and all opioids work similarly. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and body to block pain signals.

Dilaudid Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of Dilaudid include:

  • Lightheadedness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Sedation.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Sweating.
  • Flushing.
  • Dysphoria.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Pruritus (itchy skin).

Dilaudid Addiction

Dilaudid contains hydromorphone, a highly addictive substance similar to other opioids such as fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has recognized this potential for abuse and has listed Dilaudid as a Schedule II controlled substance that  can only be legally used with a prescription from a physician.

Opioids, like Dilaudid, act on reward centers in the brain, causing intense euphoria in some users when taken in high doses or for long periods of time. Over time, tolerance and physical dependence can occur.

Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical dependence on Dilaudid may develop as quickly as within 2-3 weeks. Once someone has become dependent, a drastic reduction in dose or complete cessation of the medication may bring about some or all of the following withdrawal symptoms:

  • Restlessness.
  • Insomnia.
  • Anxiety.
  • Irritability.
  • Dilated pupils.
  • Teary eyes.
  • Yawning.
  • Runny nose.
  • Sweating and chills.
  • Muscle and joint pain.
  • Weakness.
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.

Generally, the acute withdrawal symptoms for Dilaudid will arise within about 12 hours of the dose reduction or cessation of use, be at their peak around day 1-3, and subside by day 7.

Dilaudid Addiction Treatment Near Dallas, TX

Opioid addiction is a treatable disorder. While there is no single path to recovery that works for everyone, treatment can and does work.

At Greenhouse Treatment Center, we offer several levels of care to help meet your needs and get you on the road to recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are ready to take the first steps towards recovery, call us today at . Our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators are on hand to help answer your questions and start the admissions process. They can also help you verify your insurance coverage for rehab and discuss other ways to pay for addiction treatment.

Greenhouse Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ Dallas rehab center, is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.

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