Can You Get High On Dilaudid?

Dilaudid (brand name for hydromorphone) is a strong opioid analgesic available in immediate-release or extended-release tablets. When this opioid agonist is abused, it can create feelings of sedation and euphoria, essentially creating a “high” that some may desire.

Meant to help provide pain relief for those who are opioid-tolerant and suffering from chronic pain, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifieds Dilaudid as a Schedule II controlled substance. 

A Schedule II controlled status means Dilaudid has a strong potential for abuse with habit-forming effects of euphoria. Taking Dilaudid to get high increases the risk of psychological or physical dependence as well as other harmful effects.

Getting High On Dilaudid

Dilaudid creates a “high” due to how the prescription drug affects opioid receptors in the brain. When you consume Dilaudid, it depresses the central nervous system (CNS) and creates sedative effects as well as a sense of euphoria.

Some may be prescribed Dilaudid due to the moderate to severe pain they experience, especially if they have a tolerance to opioid drugs. Those with opioid tolerance may need to take higher and higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired high.

Dilaudid Abuse

Taking high doses of hydromorphone is a likely form of Dilaudid abuse, which also includes snorting the opioid, smoking, plugging, injecting, using it without a prescription, or mixing it with other drugs. 

Substance abuse involving a powerful opioid like hydromorphone can increase the severity of common side effects as well as the risk of opioid addiction.

Side Effects Of Dilaudid Abuse

As a prescription opioid, those who participate in Dilaudid abuse may experience more intense side effects.

Some of the common side effects of Dilaudid, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may consist of:

• dizziness
• constipation
• sedation
• headache
• lightheadedness
• dry mouth
• loss of appetite
• euphoria
• drowsiness

Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms

If you abruptly stop taking this painkiller, symptoms of Dilaudid withdrawal can occur, creating uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can lead to continued drug use.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms of Dilaudid may include:

• cravings for the drug
• sweating
• teary eyes
• stomach cramps
• anxiety
• irritability
• runny nose
• chills
• sleeping problems
• muscle weakness

Dangers Of Dilaudid Abuse

There are several dangers associated with Dilaudid abuse, including severe drug interactions and the risk of opioid overdose.

Adverse Drug Interactions

Those who participate in Dilaudid abuse are more likely to use the drug in combination with other substances than those who are prescribed Dilaudid by a healthcare provider.

Whether other CNS depressants or stimulants are combined with Dilaudid, serious interactions may take place.

Some of the substances to avoid when taking Dilaudid consist of:

• muscle relaxants
• antihistamines
• supplements or vitamins
• benzodiazepines
• over-the-counter pain relievers
• alcohol

In addition, those taking Dilaudid should avoid pain medications containing opioids or opiates which include:

• codeine
• oxycodone
• hydrocodone
• fentanyl
• methadone
• Buprenorphine

Taking any of these substances with Dilaudid increases the risk of life-threatening overdose.

Dilaudid Overdose

Those who take higher doses of Dilaudid than prescribed, or mix it with other drugs, are engaging in a form of drug abuse that increases the risk of opioid overdose.

Symptoms of a Dilaudid overdose may consist of:

• respiratory depression
• cold skin
• low blood pressure
• muscle weakness
• low heart rate
• constricted pupils
• clammy skin
• loss of consciousness

If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from an overdose, contact 911 immediately and seek medical help before a fatal overdose occurs. To help prevent a life-threatening opioid overdose, healthcare professionals may administer the medication naloxone (Narcan).

Dilaudid Addiction Treatment

For those of you struggling with opioid use, substance use disorder treatment can help.

At Ohio Recovery Center, we address Dilaudid addiction with a combination of evidence-based services like medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, peer support groups, and more.

For more information, please contact us today.