Hydromorphone
What is Hydromorphone?
Hydromorphone belongs to a class of drugs called “opioids,” which includes morphine. It has an analgesic potency of two to eight times greater than that of morphine and has a rapid onset of action.
What is its Origin?
Hydromorphone is legally manufactured and distributed in the United States. However, users can obtain hydromorphone from forged prescriptions, “doctor-shopping,” theft from pharmacies, and from friends and acquaintances.
What are the street names?
Common street names include: D, Dillies, Dust, Footballs, Juice, and Smack
What does it look like?
Hydromorphone comes in: Tablets, capsules, oral solutions, and injectable formulations
How is it abused?
Users may abuse hydromorphone tablets by ingesting them. Injectable solutions, as well as tablets that have been crushed and dissolved in a solution may be injected as a substitute for heroin.
What is its effect on the mind?
When used as a drug of abuse, and not under a doctor’s supervision, hydromorphone is taken to produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, sedation, and reduced anxiety. It may also cause mental clouding, changes in mood, nervousness, and restlessness. It works centrally (in the brain) to reduce pain and suppress cough. Hydromorphone use is associated with both physiological and psychological dependence.
What is its effect on the body?
Hydromorphone may cause: Constipation, pupillary constriction, urinary retention, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, dizziness, impaired coordination, loss of appetite, rash, slow or rapid heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure
What are its overdose effects?
Acute overdose of hydromorphone can produce: Severe respiratory depression, drowsiness progressing to stupor or coma, lack of skeletal muscle tone, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and reduction in blood pressure and heart rate Severe overdose may result in death due to respiratory depression.
Which drugs cause similar effects?
Drugs that have similar effects include: Heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycodone
What is its legal status in the United States? Hydromorphone is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act with an accepted medical use as a pain reliever. Hydromorphone has a high potential for abuse and use may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Testing for Hydromorphone
Typically any drug testing panel that includes Opiates will included testing for Hydromorphone. This is mostly all drug test panels.
To perform the Hydromorphone drug test, you’ll need either a nail, hair, urine or sweat patch sample from the individual you suspect of using. If you are an employer requesting the Hydromorphone drug test, you’ll want to make sure that you not only meet state guidelines and regulations but that you also meet those set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Be sure to look into their Regulated Drug Testing requirements. If you choose a hair test, you’ll be able to see Hydromorphone use dating as far back as 90 days. The analysis should provide an accurate sample so that you can determine if a loved one was using and, if so, the best way for you to go about seeking treatment on their behalf.