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RSD Alert is a voluntary organisation publishing RSD/CRPS information, mostly provided by our readers. Every approved medical drug works for some people but not for others. Don't be alarmed by what you read. If in doubt consult your medical advisor.
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Drugs on RSD Alert

(notes and comments from correspondents)

Dilaudid
Description
 Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) is an analgesic narcotic, which can provide potent and rapid analgesic effect through subcutaneous injection. However, is carries risks of addiction similar to that of morphine. Its takes effect within 15 minutes and provides relief for more than 5 hours. It is reckoned to be eight times more potent per milligram than morphine. Dilaudid inhibits ascending pain pathways in Central Nervous System. It also increases the pain threshold and alters pain perception. Supplied in ampoule form, intravenously, as liquid, in tablet form, or as suppositories.
Side effects

(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients)

 Anorexia, anxiety, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, impaired physical performance, mental impairment, mood changes, nausea, pain at the injection site, restlessness, sedation, skin rash or itching, sluggishness, somnolence, tissue irritation. Also, but less commonly - Agitation, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, chills, cramps, diarrhoea, difficulty urinating, disorientation, dizziness, double vision, dry mouth, exaggerated feelings of depression or well-being, fainting, flushing, hallucinations, headache, increased pressure in the head, insomnia, involuntary eye movements, irregular heartbeat, itching, light-headedness, loss of appetite, low or high blood pressure, muscle rigidity or tremor, muscle spasms of the throat or air passages, palpitations, rashes, sweating, taste changes, tingling or numbness, tremor.
Warnings

(These are standard cautions but may not apply in your case)

 Dilaudid is a very addictive narcotic. Individuals can form an addiction to Dilaudid within days. Addiction can result in restlessness and nausea and may progress to loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Other risks include withdrawal symptoms lasting several months. Overdose may result in stupor, circulatory collapse, cold clammy skin, respiratory depression, coma, cardiac arrest and/or hypertension.

Comments

I have an intrathecal pump with Dilaudid, Clonidine and Marcaine. That has been the best combination of medications. I also have Dilaudid IV for breakthrough pain. I had so much trouble before these interventions. I am also on Neurontin, Zoloft and Zanaflex. What a blessing! Michelle - Saginaw, MI, USA

My husband was recently diagnosed with RSD in his knee. We have tried many medications over the past and he is currently taking a 2-4mg of Dilaudid every 4 hours and wears a 50mg pain patch. He is able to get through the day but there are many times this just isn't enough. I am concerned about the long term effects of these medications. He has already tried Percocet, Oxycontin and Vicodin. All of which were ineffective, or he became addicted to them. We are looking for a good pain management doctor to help. Has anyone any suggestions or advice? Laura - Middletown, New York, USA

I recently went to look up the drug "DILAUDID" on the internet. I read an article about the drug on drugs@rsdalert. A lady named Laura was saying that her husband had taken various Narcotic's for managing pain. She mentioned that he had recently started "DILAUDID" & was concerned about addiction. Well, let me inform all that I was hooked on Dilaudids for about 10 years. That is one of the most adicting Narcotics put there. Believe me, I should know. FORMER DRUG ADDICT... Just remember - "former" THANK YOU. Patty- USA

To Patty in the Dilaudid comments section: There is no such thing as a former addict. Addiction is active or in remission; you may be recovering but you will never be recovered till the dirt is on the box. Beyond that, it is difficult but possible, to treat some recovering addicts who have CRPS or other chronic pain conditions with narcotics. Close supervision is required, as well as a commitment of total honesty on the part of the patient.
A greater issue may be whether or not it is possible to treat chronic non-terminal pain with narcotics. As time goes on and more research comes in, there are significant issues raised regarding escalating tolerance/dosage, and increasingly severe side effects. Often, it becomes a question of what is more disabling, the treatment or the disease? While these statements are only my opinion, they are based on personal experience, observation of others close to me with similar conditions, and peer reviewed medical information that is publicly available. Dave - Ottawa, Canada

I'm sending this to let you all know what Dilaudid does to people. This drug is supposed to be prescribed to cancer patients, but people are getting them for pain. They are not meant to come off this drug - it is for patients who are expected to die; thats why poeple get addicted. I myself am a Dilaudid addict and I have to have one every morning when I wake up in order to get through my day. It's a deadly addiction and is taking a toll on my body. I'm losing weight, I barely eat, and when I'm withdrawaling the pain goes right through my whole body. Find something else for pain, because once you're addicted, you'll wish youve never laid a hand on them. Jamie (contact details supplied)
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