I have two questions... I have been taking suboxone for almost two weeks to come off of dilaudid (hydromorphone). I had stressed to my doctor my concerns about becoming addicted to them. My body had become dependant on them because i had taken them so long, if i did not take them on time or missed one i would become sick. I have been on them since 18 and i'm now 23. I am currently seeing a suboxone doctor who drug tests me. I want to know how long it takes for dilaudid to come out of your system if this will be my only dose of dilaudid. (and i took 3 4mg because i read that even if you wait long enough before taking an opiate after taking suboxone the other opiate won't work unless you take more). My pain is so severe today i can barley walk due to having lymes disease. Keep in mind i am only 23, i can't live like this, either in total and utter pain or taking such a highly addicive and potentially deadly painkiller. Any suggesstions for an alteritive besides suboxone or dilaudid?
Thanks, Nikki
How long does dilaudid stay in your system?
Question posted by vampirebarbie23 on 31 July 2011
Last updated on 29 April 2022
7 Answers
no there is no other way, best thing to do is get your pain medication and have a trusted person hold your meds and give to your correct amount daily. it won't take away all the pain but life will be manageable without that feeling of hopeless pain
Give it 5-7 days to be out of your urine.
It takes about 12.5 hours to be out of your blood. It may take a little longer to be out of your urine.
As a disabled (no longer practicing) physician I understand your frustration with finding appropriate info and treatment. Dilaudid tablet half life is approximately 2.7h according to textbooks, and you reach steady state after several (mininimal 3) half-lives. The books dodge around active metabolites, your personal absorption as well and hepatic metabolism of medications and this drug in particular. Also, as the previous respondant indicated extra adipose (fat) tissue can also extend the duration. Kidney and liver function have direct impact as well as other drugs competing to be metabolized, and how long you have been on a medication can (doesn't always) increase your body's ability to metabolize it and similar drugs.
As a side note, someone has done you a dis-service in making you believe that dilaudid is " a highly addicive and potentially deadly painkiller". While it is one of the stronger opiates in that smaller doses provide more pain coverage, all narcotics when used as DIRECTED and NEEDED are relatively safe. Just about ANY medication used improperly can be deadly or have spontaneous severe allergic idiosyncratic response that could lead to death without proper treatment. Narcotics are among the oldest, most used (ie. we have significantly more patient data on them than newer pain medications like NSAIDS (aspirin excluded)).
It is true that chronic use will lead to DEPENDENCE, but that is true of many classes of medications including meds like antihypertensives etc. However, on the flip side, studies done approximately 20 years ago showed that patients treated with opiates for legitimate reasons (ie. real pain), were less likely than the average population to develop ADDICTION problems. The worst problem about being treated with narcotic medications is the stigma society has attached to them, and accessibility (many pharmacies refuse to carry certain ones.)
To sum up, the time it takes for the medication to leave your body is highly patient dependent- by now you probably have your own personal answer. I hope the side note gives you another perspective from which to view this in case the suboxone proves ineffective.
Sincerely,
--cavendish
Nikki--I can't more strongly suggest you find an intelligent, well-read pharmacist who will take the time to discuss this issue with you! I've found that most knowledgeable pharmacists know more about the effects/side effects/withdrawal, etc. than most doctors! My heart goes out to you for suffering so greatly at such a young age. I'm 59 and have been diagnosed as having "Failed Back Syndrome"... otherwise known as, "We don't know what else we can do for you". As I have commented in another area in this site, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO N-O-T LET YOUR DOCTOR TALK YOU INTO TRYING THE FENTINYL LOZENGES UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR TEETH DESTROYED... These lozenges are mainly for end-stage, terminal cancer patients, so for them, sadly, teeth aren't the issue... pain releif is.
And my doctor demanded I try Methadone for the awful pain I suffer from having my back broken in 3 places, both rotator cuffs torn, and both knees blown out from my job. He prescribed a horrifying dose that just didn't seem right to me, but being obediant, I tried it... Within 24 hours I began having cardiac symptoms! Methadone as well as Fentinyl are respiratory depressants, so if you have ANY cardiac issues, "Just say NO!" I take 2 Oxycontin 60mg daily with a few Percocet 10-325 prn for "break-through". So-so relief, but it's about the best combination I've found yet, and this is combined with having had an implanted intrathecal infusion pump for over 20 years (liquid Dilaudid is used in it with Bupivacaine) Wish I could be of more help. I don't suggest the pumps as the every 90 or so days refills and every 3-5 year replacement surgeries for worn out batteries is even more of a "pain". BUT, talk to your doctor. YOU may find relief from one as I've read of others who have written about success stories with them. They're manufactured by Medtronics (who, by the way, just lost a class-action suit to numerous patients claiming malfunctioning pumps). Best of luck to you. This is one sad road we all walk...
Actiq ruined my teeth! They did make a sugar-free version of the medication but did not market it because it is intended for Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancer patients only. Doctors who write it off label should tell you of the risks associated with the drug other than what the leaflet says, "step-up your dental routine." I am paraphrasing here but it was not much more than that. The cavities were deep and not noticeable on the surface but when the dentist started drilling, boy there was much to be done! My teeth were like swiss cheese afterward! I tried to sue but no one would take my case. So opt for the patches unless you, too, are a Stage 3 or 4 cancer victim. Good luck to you!
all pain meds do that
I'm so sorry for your ongoing pain. Pain meds. used to come out of my system quite quickly because they are instant acting. When I was taking Norco and other meds., I could take one in the afternoon, and when tested the following day, I didn't test positive. On suboxone, however, there is just no point in taking any other pain meds. concurrently because you just plain don't feel them because of the antagonist that is at work to block the opiate receptors... no matter how long you wait. That was my experience anyway. Work with the Dr. to be sure you look into every pain management option. I hope you find a solution to your pain management. I feel for you, and I'll send prayers, as well. Good luck!
You can test positive for this from anywhere from 3 to 8 days after last dose depending on how sensitive the test it and how fast your metabolism is. You are young, so, if you are thinner, you likely have a fast metabolism, if you are overweight at all, it will be a slower metabolism. There are instances where someone can test positive for up to 11 days for opiates, but that is usually a rarity. I would join the Lyme's disease group here and read old posts in that groups page to see if there is anymore helpful info out there. I will keep you in my prayers. patti
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dilaudid, suboxone, opiate dependence, pain, hydromorphone, doctor
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