Dilaudid is an analgesic narcotic with an addiction ability similar to that
of morphine. Its effects are apparent within 15 minutes and remain in effect
for more than 5 hours. Dilaudid is approximately 8 times more potent on a
milligram basis than morphine. Dilaudid is often called "drug store heroin"
on the streets. Dilaudid inhibits ascending pain pathways in the central nervous
system. Dilaudid also increases the pain threshold by altering their pain
perception.
Addiction is a major risk with prolonged use (over 2-3 weeks) of Dilaudid.
Even moderate doses of Dilaudid can result in a fatal overdose. When an individual
increases their dose of Dilaudid, they may at first feel restless and nauseous
and then progress to a loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Other
risks include withdrawal symptoms that may last for months. A Dilaudid overdose
happens when you consume more Dilaudid than your body can safely handle. Dilaudid
users are constantly flirting with the risk of an overdose, and the difference
between the high they're seeking and serious injury or death is often quite
small.
The symptoms of a Dilaudid overdose include: