What Does Dilaudid Look Like?

Dilaudid with the generic name hydromorphone is a type of opioid analgesic used to treat moderate and severe pain. Often used for chemo patients and post-surgery procedures, this drug has strong sedative effects causing a high risk of abuse. Learn about what does Dilaudid look like, signs of addiction, and how to get help in this post.

Last Edited:

01/24/2022

Dilaudid, with the generic name hydromorphone, belongs to the class of opioid analgesics used to treat moderate and severe pain. Typically, Dilaudid is given to patients who are suffering from chronic pain such as cancer or those who have recently gone through major surgery. Since it has strong effects leading to relaxation and sedation, some people are prone to abusing Dilaudid.

Dilaudid is often given as oral tablets, but there are also liquid syrups and injectables which are available in medical settings. Some versions are long-acting given to people with terminal or chronic pain, which makes the effects stay for longer periods of time.

Suspecting Dilaudid misuse in yourself or a loved one? In this post, you will learn about what does Dilaudid look like, its generic variants, signs of abuse, plus how to get help as soon as possible.

Dilaudid Physical Appearance

Dilaudid oral comes in different dosages. You will find that there are several Dilaudid colors that can also be varied if you choose the generic options. Below, you will see what the Dilaudid brand variants typically look like plus their milligram doses.

What mg is Dilaudid (Different colors)?

  • 2-milligram tablet: Orange, round, with an imprint of “P 2”.
  • 4-milligram tablet: Yellow, round, with an imprint of “P 4”.
  • 8-milligram tablet: White, triangular, with an imprint of “P d” and “8”.

Now that you have an idea of what color is Dilaudid plus their milligram equivalents, it is also important to take note of the generic versions in case this is the one used:

What does generic Dilaudid look like?

  • 1-milligram / milliliter oral liquid: It comes with a white plastic container labeled “Hydromorphone Hydrochloride”. The syrup is red with a raspberry flavor.
  • 2-milligram tablet: White, round, with an imprint of “LCI 1353” and “2”.
  • 4-milligram tablet: White, round with an imprint of “LCI 1354” and “4”.
  • 4-milligram tablet (another variant): White, round, with an imprint of “S4 196” and “4”.
  • 8-milligram tablet: White, round, with an imprint of “LCI 1355”.

Being aware of both generic and branded Dilaudid tablets and other types of medications can help you identify substance use disorder and take necessary steps towards intervention and recovery.

Signs of Dilaudid Abuse

You may be suspecting misuse of Dilaudid or hydromorphone in yourself or a loved one, but you are unsure if addiction is truly present. Below, you will see the signs that point to a potential substance use disorder problem that warrants immediate attention.

Physical symptoms

  • Pin-like pupils
  • Feeling sleepy and lethargic
  • Nausea and vomiting, fever, and other withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug

Behavioral symptoms

  • Frequently running out of prescriptions than recommended timeline
  • Secretive behavior and isolation
  • Loss of interest in other activities
  • Intense mood swings, described as euphoria and sudden onset of depression

Mental symptoms

  • Slow or slurred speech
  • Difficulties in attention and focus
  • Incomprehensible speech
  • Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one misusing Dilaudid, this is a potential condition of substance use disorder. It is recommended to seek professional help right away to prevent complications such as drug overdose.

Signs of overdose include loss of consciousness, labored or slow breathing, having a weak pulse, and pale skin. Often, the individual at this point has taken large amounts of Dilaudid which represses the function of vital organs such as the lungs and the heart. Overdose is considered a medical emergency, and if these signs are present, you should dial 911 or call for emergency services right away.

How to Get Help for Dilaudid Abuse

Dilaudid or hydromorphone abuse is an urgent condition that needs medical help as soon as possible. Since this opioid analgesic is highly potent, there is a high risk of overdose and other life-threatening complications related to continued misuse. Below are some steps you can take to help yourself or a loved one:

Contact a high-quality Dilaudid abuse treatment center

A treatment facility that specializes in Dilaudid abuse can help you get started on the right foot. They understand medications and protocols that can be used to detox the body from Dilaudid or hydromorphone, plus experts are also trained to know the effective methods to address opioid abuse.

You can start by verifying your healthcare insurance, asking about intervention for your loved one, or asking more about what you can expect during Dilaudid rehab.

Let supportive loved ones know about the substance use disorder condition

Support is an invaluable factor in addiction recovery success. You can open up about your addiction problem, or a loved one’s substance use disorder struggles towards trusted people. They can provide you with the support you need to either get started with rehab, help with environmental changes, or assist you in traveling to your chosen rehab.

Educate yourself with substance use disorder resources

The more you become aware of the signs of substance use disorder, it will be easier for you to watch out for the signs of overdose and the things you can do to avoid dangerous complications.

There are reputable online blogs, communities, as well as support groups that you can participate in to help in substance use disorder education. You can also contact substance use disorder centers if you want to look for local resources to help you get started with recovery as soon as possible.

Dilaudid Abuse: Identifying the Drug, Signs of Addiction, and Getting Help

It can be challenging to detect Dilaudid or hydromorphone abuse in yourself or a loved one, but through proper identification and knowing addiction signs, you can get started with getting help.

Acting promptly and taking concrete steps can help save a life from the dangerous effects of long-term Dilaudid addiction.

Sources

Medical disclaimer:

Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.

Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.

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