Understanding Dilaudid Side Effects

Understanding Dilaudid side effects, along with treatment options available for substance abuse, can help you or a loved one get the care you need.

What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is made from morphine and causes severe sedative effects. It is a strong pain medication used after other pain relief methods fail. Dilaudid activates the opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), releasing dopamine in the brain and causing the individual to develop dependence. Understanding Dilaudid side effects, along with its various other symptoms and effects on the body, is vital before taking the medication.

Dilaudid: the Need for Guidance and Support

It’s important to only take the drug when prescribed by a medical practitioner and in the correct dosages. Taking the substance recreationally or more than prescribed may result in you developing a tolerance or reliance.

You don’t have to go through side effects from Dilaudid alone. If you or a loved one start to experience side effects from Dilaudid or any other substance, make sure you reach out to a treatment center or medical professional near you to get the help you deserve.

Impact of Dilaudid on Wellness

The more regularly an individual takes Dilaudid, the more dependence they form on the medication over time. It can also affect the day-to-day life of individuals in various ways. Some of the impacts and Dilaudid side effects on wellness are:

Physical Wellness

Dilaudid often affects the physical well-being of an individual. Individuals struggling with Dilaudid addiction may experience some physical health complications, such as itching, sweating, and drowsiness.

Emotional Wellness

The medication also affects emotional wellness in various ways. Over time, Dilaudid use may create emotions such as fear, sadness, and anger. Those who struggle with substance use may not be able to control these emotions either.

Social Wellness

Dilaudid substance misuse also affects the social wellness of the individual. It can affect the relationship of the individual with their families and friends. People may hide their addiction from friends and tend to stay away from gatherings and outings.

Financial Wellness

Most individuals experiencing Dilaudid addiction may also have financial problems due to attempting to buy more of the substance or spending more and more time attempting to find the substance.

Mild to Severe Dilaudid Side Effects

Depending on the individual, how much Dilaudid they have taken, and if they have any co-occurring disorders, they may experience side effects in varying ways. However, Dilaudid use can become dangerous very quickly. In 2004, the Drug Abuse Warning Network reported that almost 3,385 emergency room visits were due to the use of Dilaudid. Getting immediate help if you experience any of the following side effects is important for overall health.¹

Mild Dilaudid Side Effects

The following are some more mild Dilaudid side effects that you or a loved one may experience:

Vomiting
Dry mouth
Sweating
Dizziness
Headaches
Flushing
Constipation
Nausea
Lightheadedness

Severe Dilaudid Side Effects

Some of the more severe Dilaudid side effects to be aware of include:

Brain tumors
Drug dependence
Fainting
Lung or breathing problems
Seizures
Liver disease
Hypotension
Obesity
Hallucinations
Mental depression
Chest pain
Severe fatigue

What Do You Need to Know Before Taking Dilaudid?

It’s important to weigh the risks and rewards before use of this medication. Ensure you make this decision with your doctor. At Essence Healthcare, we advise you consider the following before taking this medication:

Pregnancy

Taking Dilaudid while pregnant is not advisable. Dilaudid can pass into the breast milk and harm the nursing baby. The nursing or unborn baby could become dependent on the medication. This dependence will result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms after the baby is born. These babies often need treatment for several weeks or months. It is best to inform your healthcare professional if you are currently pregnant or plan to have a baby before discussing this medication.

Allergies

Inform your doctor of any unusual reactions you have ever had to this or other medicines. Tell your healthcare professionals about any other allergies you have, such as latex preservatives and food. Ask for a list of the ingredients and read carefully to make sure you are not allergic to anything in the medication.

Drug Interactions

Individuals should not use certain medications together because of their interaction. Inform your healthcare professionals of any medication you are currently taking. Your doctor may want to alter your dosage and take other necessary precautions. It is not advisable to use Dilaudid with any other drugs to avoid severe Dilaudid side effects.

Medical Problems

Some medical issues will affect the effect and use of this medication. Ensure to inform your health care professional if you have any medical problems, especially:

Head injury
Gallbladder disease
Allergy to sulfites
Hypotension
Depression
Seizures
Narrowing the bowels

Only use Dilaudid under medical supervision due to its habit-forming tendencies. Healthcare professionals only prescribe Dilaudid for severe pain when other painkillers do not work. The medication works best if you take it right at the onset of pain, which may also help mitigate any Dilaudid side effects.²

Treatment Options for Dilaudid Addiction

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that approximately 18.7 million individuals abused Dilaudid in 2016.³

It’s important to receive treatment for any adverse side effects you may be experiencing. The following are some of the treatment options for Dilaudid addiction:

Detox and Rehab Programs

This is a treatment option that can vary in modalities and approach to help treat Dilaudid side effects. Detox is the first step in treating addiction. The process involves ridding the body system of the drug. It is vital to detox fully before continuing any other rehab program. Rehab programs aim to help the individual learn to stop taking the substance and lead a productive life.

Prevention Techniques and Relapse Prevention Strategies

After treatment, there are relapse prevention strategies. These strategies will help the individual to keep to the recovery program. It is a cognitive-behavioral approach that helps the individual keep to the acquired behavioral changes.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Options

This treatment option involves the combination of medication with behavioral therapies and counseling. It is an effective treatment used for treating individuals experiencing Dilaudid addiction. The treatment option provides a holistic approach when treating the individual.⁴

Begin Healing With Essence Healthcare

Dilaudid is a habit-forming medication that is potent for treating severe pain. However, it also has a high risk of abuse due to its euphoric and pain killing effects. Dilaudid side effects can cause many mental, physical, and emotional consequences.

If you or a loved one have experienced any side effects due to the use of Dilaudid or any other substance, reaching out for the help you need is important for treatment and long-term sobriety.

Reach Out for Unyielding Support

If you or your loved one is experiencing Dilaudid side effects, reach out to our caring and compassionate staff at Essence Healthcare today. At Essence Healthcare, we have different treatment options for smooth recovery. We give you the medical care and attention you need to go through this journey. We will also meet with you to create an individualized treatment plan that aims to help your specific set of symptoms.

Get in touch with us today.

Resources

Questions About Treatment?

We are a patient-first substance abuse and mental health treatment facility located in Los Angeles, California. At Essence Healthcare, we provide different levels of care from detoxification to drug rehab aftercare. Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.