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Have Lupus, Blood Pressure And ADHD. Suggested To Switch To Dilaudid From Oxycodone. Suggest

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Posted on Tue, 26 Nov 2013
Question: I have Lupus. Renauds, Fibermylgia, Neuropathy, High Blood Pressure, Anxiety, ADHD, 2 hearniated discs, a bulging disc, foot drop, ankle pain, an amputated finger and chronic pain. I was taking oxycodone 30mg for two years since I was diagnosed with all of these problems. It is very, very difficult to get oxycodone due to drug abuse in Florida. My doctor and I decided I shoud switch to Dilaudid 4mg because it is a little easier to obtain. It is not managing my pain. I think I need to be taking 8mg of dilaudid. What is the equivalence is the approximate mg equivalence from oxycodone to Dilaudid? 4 mg is not strong enough for me. Please advise.... I need medical advice and info. Thank you, XXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Preeti Parakh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Around 6 to 11.25 mg of Dilaudid is equivalent. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Welcome to Healthcare Magic! You have rightly perceived that your current dose of Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) is not equivalent to the 30 mg of oxycodone that you had been taking. There are different opioid conversion charts available. The dose of oral Dilaudid that is considered equivalent to 30 mgs oral oxycodone varies from around 6 mg to 11.25 mg as per the formula used. Since the new drug is always started in a dose around 30% lower than the equivalent for safety issues and to allow for incomplete crosstolerance, it is possible that your doctor deliberately started you on a low dose and is already planning to increase your dose of Dilaudid gradually. So please inform him that you are still in pain and I am sure he will have no qualms in increasing your dose of Dilaudid. I think 8 mg per day would suffice for you. Hope this helps you. Please feel free to ask if you need any clarifications. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry
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Dr. Preeti Parakh

Addiction Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1486 Questions

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Have Lupus, Blood Pressure And ADHD. Suggested To Switch To Dilaudid From Oxycodone. Suggest

Brief Answer: Around 6 to 11.25 mg of Dilaudid is equivalent. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Welcome to Healthcare Magic! You have rightly perceived that your current dose of Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) is not equivalent to the 30 mg of oxycodone that you had been taking. There are different opioid conversion charts available. The dose of oral Dilaudid that is considered equivalent to 30 mgs oral oxycodone varies from around 6 mg to 11.25 mg as per the formula used. Since the new drug is always started in a dose around 30% lower than the equivalent for safety issues and to allow for incomplete crosstolerance, it is possible that your doctor deliberately started you on a low dose and is already planning to increase your dose of Dilaudid gradually. So please inform him that you are still in pain and I am sure he will have no qualms in increasing your dose of Dilaudid. I think 8 mg per day would suffice for you. Hope this helps you. Please feel free to ask if you need any clarifications. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry