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Hydromorphone User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Dilaudid

Hydromorphone has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 from a total of 441 reviews on Drugs.com. 76% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Hydromorphone

  • ROB
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 3, 2013

Exalgo (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "In chronic pain, since injury in 1999. Surgery did not help. Like many I was on different narcotics for years . Started Exalgo in 2012 and have found it does work. Some say it gives 24 hr relief, but I think it more of a 16-18 hr."

7 / 10
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  • ebpot...
  • February 18, 2009

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I am a 62-yr old woman with a number of health-related issues that cause chronic and sometimes acute pain; including three herniated disks (C3-C6), lower back pain and bad knees. Percocet, Darvocet and Vicodin upset my stomach, so I've only been on Lodine 2x day for the past two years. My doctor suggested a trial on Dilaudid - 2mg to 4mg every 4-6 hours until I can have a knee replacement. 2mg did not make me pain-free, but definitely was an improvement. However, 4mg allowed me to walk without pain for the first time in months. It makes me sleepy, but aside from that there have been no unpleasant side effects. Dilaudid is a wonder drug for anyone who experiences chronic pain."

10 / 10
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  • Zumer...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 12, 2020

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "Due to severe back injury was referred to a pain clinic (thankful!) Have been on many meds over the years. Now suffering with spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease, ankylyzing spondolitis, basically crippled, yipee! Take 4 to 5 dilaudid, 4 mg, and get some relief. Starting today on a long acting dialysis and praying for relief. Good luck and sincere best wishes to all taking this med."

10 / 10
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26 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 14, 2012

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I have degenerative disc disease. Medication works well. I have been on it for a year now with my oxycodone. It works miracles, I can go to work everyday and support my family ans when I come home I can actually enjoy the daily activities with my children, I once could not have thought of doing. I am so glad my life is back and am so grateful for a great doctor who after years found a way to put me back on my feet."

10 / 10
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  • MariaG
  • January 23, 2018

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I have a low tolerance for pain and after a outpatient surgical procedure I was prescribed percoset for pain. They didn't help, so the doctor prescribed oxycontin. It work but it made me nauseated. He then prescribed dilaudid. It really helped to ease the pain, I experienced none of the side effects, except constipation. I took it every 4 hours, then as I healed I decreased the does to every 6 hours then I took one only at night. After the pain was gone, I stopped taking the medication and experienced no withdrawal issues."

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Are you taking this medicine?

  • New...
  • April 28, 2015

Exalgo (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "I am 5'. 105 lbs and was a carpenter for 6 years . I have a bad back 2 disc replaced in neck with a plate & 6 screws which gets cold and the pain goes right down my back . Have had 15 operations . Fibromyalgia and arthritis. Tried morphine and butane patches which made me sick. I take hydrocodone 10 mg 5 X day . Which only lasts 2 to 3 hrs. Grit my teeth the rest of the time (broken a few). I started Exalgo 12 mg yesterday and I started feeling better in about 2 hrs. This is a miracle, I don't hurt! There were times I didn't think I could go on and now I have a new lease on life . I hope it continues to keep working ! Happy gal!"

10 / 10
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  • Nan
  • September 24, 2020

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis 11 months ago so suffered with bad pain. During my 3 months in the hospital I received Dilaudid in IV the first month 4mg at first then gradually down to 2mg. Next Dilaudid by pill form 4mg every 4 hours down to 2 every 4 hours through the 2nd month. The 3rd month 2 mg every 6 hours which barely cut the intensity of the nerve pain caused by this gawd-awful disease. Once released from the hospital in I was Rx'd hydrocodone 5-325. Now this is in addition to gabapentin, lyrica, Cymbalta, xanax, etc. By May I began to have what's referred to as "saddle burn." The burn was more like blazing! I went to ER and was admitted and given Dilaudid again as before through my IV. I cried I was so relieved. But you can't stay in the hospital on an IV permanently and Dilaudid is not prescribed as outpatient. So suffering is my daily routine whether I exercise, push my walker a good 3/4 mile a day, go to pool PT, cry, get in my truck and scream "FATHER why hast thou forsaken me!?" Dilaudid works."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 23, 2015

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I am used to Percocet due to years of back pain. In the hospital after a kidney procedure I had some moderate pain that morphine IV did not impact. I got one IV of dilaudid and the pain level decreased to a very acceptable level and I went home with virtually no pain"

9 / 10
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  • Knigh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 5, 2014

Exalgo (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "I just started on Exalgo ER 12mg's. After fooling around with Lortab AND morphine CR for years, which would only dull my pain( Shot out of the sky in Nam) as well as a major car accident, I have found or rather my fantastic neurologist decided to go with this. I have been able to sleep a full evening(8Hrs) and not wake up with a hang-over effect. I am after 26 years narcotic tolerant so I was quite skeptical about this expensive medicine. Well, I am a believer. I just pray that it will last a year or two before it becomes useless to me. An operation to repair my back only has a 80/20 chance of even helping me. 80% being the negative. If you are tired of the pill counting or a few days withdrawal which I have been through. Ask your Doc."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 15, 2008

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I was given Dilaudid after being in the hospital for bowel obstruction. Worst pain of my LIFE! In IV form its amazing, total pain relief in 60 seconds. It was hard to get perscribed in pill form but finally found a pain doctor that agreed it was a better drug for me. I now take 4mg pills every 6-8 hours and can lead a normal life. There are no side effects, but it is hard to get a script for. Take only as doctor says, DO NOT take more."

10 / 10
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  • Average...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 5, 2015

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "Have had Dilaudid squirted in my IV at the hospital. Works immediately within seconds and can rid you of all kinds of awful pain. It will allow a peaceful sleep, and you will be staying in a laying down position anyway because it makes you feel so loopy. After about two hours it wears off a lot but you still feel better than you did. Also, it can slow down your bowel movements. As with any pain med, best to get along without it, but if you desperately need it sometimes then this is a huge relief."

9 / 10
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  • Vikcha
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 8, 2014

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I recently had a heart attack on top of my cancer and at the hospital they gave me this medicine to help control my pain. Before I had used it I was using oxycodone, but that had never truly worked to control my pain. Dilaudid, while also not fully relieving the pain, did a much greater job. Unfortunately they would not allow me to take it at home, so now I am suffering because I know what it feels like to have my pain managed and the oxycodone just isn't enough."

8 / 10
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  • JakRak
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 10, 2013

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I agree with most when you say Dilaudid works best in an IV at the hospital. The pill form works very well but just takes a bit longer for relief. I've been on many pain medicines over the years but I find that this medication helps me to be more productive everyday...pain free!"

8 / 10
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  • BGT
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 12, 2013

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "Went to the ER was having a really bad gallbladder attack and was in agonizing pain! They gave me two doses of Morphine through the IV and it did nothing for the pain. Then they gave me Dilaudid through the IV and it was instant pain relief! I could have kissed the nurse who gave it to me! I did have a side effect a few hours later of itching skin especially of my face, chest and arms but I didn't care. I was so glad the pain was gone completely and fast."

10 / 10
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  • officer...
  • November 13, 2009

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I have had a chronic headache for ten years, as in I have not gone one single day without a headache in ten years. I get terrible terrible migraines, but also have advanced arthritis from C4-C7 with 3 bulging discs. (I'm 23 years old). I've been on everything under the sun that is non-addictive for migraine treatment in addition to Demerol, codeine Lortab, Percocet, Stadol, Nubain & Pentacozine. I was on 40mg hydrocodone each day which was effective but also took Excedrin, Midrin and Cephadyn on occasions so the acetaminophen effects worried me. My doctor switched me to Dilaudid 4mg four times daily and it works wonderfully without being so harsh on my liver. VERY effective at pain relief. Doesn't seem as habit-forming as the Lortabs-for me"

9 / 10
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  • DrDPC
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 28, 2014

Exalgo (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "Works great, does last 24hrs at the right dose. Give the medication time if you are switching from another pain medicine to Exalgo, for myself I was on morphine sulfate 90 mg and Oxycontin 40mg. It took almost 2 months to work @100%. I was just about to give the Exalgo up and go back to my morphine and Oxycontin but now I'm glad I waited it was worth the painful wait since I have such great pain relief. I take 48 mg of Exalgo now and 60mg of Oxycontin."

10 / 10
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  • Kidney...
  • January 10, 2016

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I was given 1mg IV prior to surgery. The first 30 seconds were scary, I felt warmth spreading through my body and my vision was blurry. I was instructed to close my eyes. After the initial strangeness passed, I felt no pain at all. This is powerful, but when in pain, it did the trick quickly."

10 / 10
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  • German...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 18, 2015

Exalgo (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "I am a 30y/o German automotive technician, when I was 18 I was hit by a drunk driver. Broke my lower back in 2 places,my hip and knee. I was taking 40mg OC and breakthru meds every 3 hrs , I was doing decent until in 2008 I was involved in a head on collision which broke my neck in 6 places. The pain form that was worse than anything I had experienced before. My dr increased my pain med doses, we tried everything from MS Contin to Opana ER, nothing was able to keep my pain under control for long. Being an automotive tech just added to the misery. Finally Exalgo came out and now 16mg/day with 2mg instant release dilaudid for breakthrough, my pain is finally controlled and I have my life back and don't have to take pills every few hours!"

10 / 10
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  • Kanna
  • April 27, 2012

Exalgo (hydromorphone) for Pain "Was using Fentanyl patches but they caused me excessive sweating, so got switched to this. Despite having had a gastric bypass which should have rendered this ineffective for me, my doctor has me take it twice a day instead of once, and it's the best pain medicine I've ever had. It started working within an hour, and I love it. Even been on Percocet, which I hated and didn't do anything at all for me, and Butrans, which made me suicidal, and a bunch of others. This ones the tops!"

10 / 10
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  • Chris...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 15, 2013

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I was in a motorcycle crash with a severely fractured wrist and was first given morphine, which sadly, had zero effect on the pain. The ER then gave me Dilaudid and it worked marvelously. I was in severe pain and it knocked it out well with no unpleasant side effects, as many report having with morphine. I was put on a pain pump timed for every 8 minutes and I was comfortable for the next 2 days before going home. I should mention, however, that my system processes pain medications VERY fast, so the same dose I take would likely be too strong for someone else."

10 / 10
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  • imchi...
  • February 5, 2019

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Cough "I take Dilaudid for severe chronic migraines, for which it is a godsend. I have now developed acute bronchitis (I assume), related to a recent chest cold. The Dilaudid has really calmed my incessant hacking, and also helps any accompanying headache. I'm also taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antihistamines regularly, which seems to help. I guess time is the only real cure — ugh!"

8 / 10
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  • codes
  • November 11, 2016

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I've suffered from reoccurring kidney stones for about five years and i'm only 18. After trying numerous medications to control my pain, i was given Dilauded in my IV and it SAVED ME. Nothing works better for me, and if you find yourself in a situation where you have kidney stones, please talk to your doctor about dilauded. It'll save you a lot of time!!"

10 / 10
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  • sexcp...
  • September 15, 2013

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I went to the ER because I had severe pain in my right flank area and was told I had a kidney stone. I get them quite frequently now and I was given Dilaudid IV. I got the warm wonderful rush and felt very floaty and quite pleasant and I felt no pain. "

10 / 10
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  • Pufft...
  • June 30, 2010

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) for Pain "I'm a 19 year old male. For majority of my life, I've always suffered pain in my spine usually my upper-neck and lower back, later to find out that I have 1-2 herniated discs and 3-4 bulged discs in my C-spine neck alone. This caused constant pain but I was never given anything but low dose oxycodone at best and because of my age NOBODY would prescribe it..if they did it was a blessing but never more than once! I recently have just broken my back - my lower back that has always been in pain as mentioned above - and broke a vertebrate disc, fractured 3 others, and chipped another, all in my L-spine (lower back). The chipped disc actually I believe was in my neck where my spine pain. DILAUDID WORKS FOR PAIN ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE OPIATE TOLERANCE."

10 / 10
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  • lbp
  • October 25, 2013

Exalgo (hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain "I have CRPS stage 3 in my left arm and left foot. I started on 16mg a day of exalgo, then up to 12 2xday, now 16 2xday for 32mg a day. I found the 2x a day was the key for this medicine since its takes a long time to start so the next dose 12 hours apart really helped. I'm just starting the 32mg a day since my crps spread to my entire left arm so I'm hoping I don't eventually get to the 32mg 2x/day.. has anyone else taken that much?"

10 / 10
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44 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.