Dilaudid (hydromorphone) 8mg

It’s possible to accidentally take too much Dilaudid (hydromorphone), even at recommended doses. Overdoses can be life-threatening if it’s not recognized or treated in time. Overdoses can also happen if it’s accidentally taken by a child or a loved one. In addition, overdoses are possible if you’re not careful with how you’re taking the form of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) that you have. Make sure you’re taking the correct dose and form. Be sure you know the difference between mg (for the pill) and mL (for the liquid), how to measure the liquid dose, and how to use suppositories. Mixing this up can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) has a risk of addiction and misuse. Addiction can develop even at recommended doses as prescribed or when Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is used for reasons other than prescribed (misuse). Sometimes, addiction and misuse can lead to life-threatening overdose. To lower the risk of addiction and misuse, your healthcare provider will prescribe the lowest amount of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) that’s necessary for you for the shortest period of time possible.

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) can cause extremely slowed breathing that can be life-threatening. This can happen at any time, even when the medication is used as recommended by your provider. But the risk is generally the highest when you first start the medication or after your dose is raised. Don’t take Dilaudid (hydromorphone) with alcohol or other medications that can slow your body down (e.g., benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants). Doing so can slow down your breathing even more. If you or a loved one notices that you have trouble breathing or have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes, get medical help right away.

During pregnancy, opioids like Dilaudid (hydromorphone) can be passed from you to your unborn baby through the placenta. If you take Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for a long period of time during pregnancy, there’s a risk that your unborn baby can become dependent on the medication. Once your baby is born, they can develop a condition called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms in your newborn can include high-pitched crying, poor feeding and sucking behavior, trembling, irritability, and sometimes seizures. This condition can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your healthcare provider know if you’ve used Dilaudid (hydromorphone) during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.

Some people taking opioids like Dilaudid (hydromorphone) experienced a drop in their hormone levels. This is more likely to happen if you take the medication for longer than a month. Symptoms of very low hormone levels include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, dizziness, and weakness. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience these symptoms.

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) can cause extremely low blood pressure. This includes a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness or even fainting. To avoid falling, stand up slowly or hold onto something while you get up if you’ve been sitting or lying down. If the dizziness or lightheadedness doesn’t go away, talk to your healthcare provider.

Opioids, like Dilaudid (hydromorphone), can cause more frequent seizures to happen in people who’ve had seizures in the past. Opioid medications might also raise the risk of seizure in other situations where seizures can occur. Let your healthcare provider know if you have seizures more often while taking Dilaudid (hydromorphone).

If you take Dilaudid (hydromorphone) regularly for a long time, you can become physically dependent on the medication. This means your body starts relying on the medication to function. When you’re physically dependent on Dilaudid (hydromorphone), you might experience withdrawal if you lower your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, muscle pain, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, anxiety, uncontrolled pain, and possibly even suicidal thoughts. Don’t lower your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your healthcare provider. To prevent withdrawal symptoms from happening, you’ll need to follow your provider’s instructions carefully to slowly lower your dose. If you have concerns about taking the medication because of this risk, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative pain medications.

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Taking Dilaudid (hydromorphone) while drinking alcohol or with other medications that make you feel sleepy or relaxed can worsen these side effects. For this reason, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol or taking these medications while using Dilaudid (hydromorphone). Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too sleepy from taking Dilaudid (hydromorphone) 8mg.