Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone, also referred to by the brand name Palladone and Dilaudid, is a powerful analgesic drug often used in the
treatment of chronic pain. It is derived from morphine, which is extracted from opium poppies. Like other members of the opioid class, it is a central nervous system depressant and interferes with the body’s ability to experience pain. Its effects are similar to heroin: it is fast acting, has a short duration and is more powerful than morphine. Hydromorphone is eight times as powerful as morphine and three times as powerful as
heroin, when compared on a milligram basis. Like other narcotics, it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Hydromorphone is classified as a Schedule II narcotic by the Controlled Substance act of 1970 which means it has been determined by government agencies to:
- have a high potential for abuse
- have an accepted medical use in the United States but only with severe restrictions and
- lead to severe psychological or physical dependence when abused
Hydromorphone is sometimes preferred by doctors to morphine or other analgesics used in the treatment of chronic pain because of its unique properties. It is fast acting, has less severe side effects and dependency develops slower. It is often chosen by chronic pain patients who reject morphine treatment due to the stigma attached to morphine. An important difference between the side effects of hydromorphone and morphine is that hydromorphone causes less nausea and vomiting.
Side effects of hydromorphone include:
- Respiratory depression
- Light-headedness
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
It is possible that hydromorphone causes euphoria, and this could lead to
addiction. However, research has shown that patients who prescribed opiod drugs for pain control rarely abuse them. The danger lies in hydromorphone becoming available in street sales for abuse. All opiates have the potential of abuse and dependency in those who misuse them.
Hydromorphone sometimes shows up in street sales, often as a result of patients selling prescriptions or robberies of people and pharmacies. It is referred to by slang terms such as “D, dill, hospital heroin, drugstore heroin” Hydromorphone has been found to be the most expensive opiate for sale on the street when compared to others by equally potent doses.
The combination of hydromorphone with other
depressants, especially
alcohol, is dangerous and should be avoided. The combination of hydromorphone and alcohol or
benzodiazepines can lead to overdose. In the occurrence of a drug overdose medical attention should be sought immediately. Effects of hydromorphone overdose include the following:
- Slow and shallow breathing
- Clammy skin
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Possible death