Palladone
Palladone is an analgesic drug that belongs to the group of drugs called narcotics or opioids. It is one of the trade names of hydromorphone hydrochloride. Palladone is derived from morphine and is a very potent medication that is used for moderate to severe pain. Chronic abuse of this drug requires Palladone addiction treatment, and the addicted person may need to enter an inpatient drug rehabilitation facility. Call to find the best detox and rehab facility in your area.
Potential for Abuse
Palladone is available in extended-release capsules and is indicated for the management of moderate to severe, chronic and persistent pain in opioid-tolerant patients only. This drug contains the active ingredient hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled drug which has a high potential for abuse. According to the data presented by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Services (SAMHSA) Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), the use of six major narcotic products that contain hydromorphone, oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl and morphine increased between the years 2004 to 2008. While hydromorphone showed the lowest cases of emergency department visits, it showed the highest percent change from 3,385 to 12,142, a significant increase of 259 percent.
Prior to the release of Palladone extended-release capsules, hydromorphone immediate-release products were some of the most abused drugs due to their availability in lower potency tablets, and the “high” or “inner warmth” that a hydromorphone addict felt when using the drug. Extended-release tablets, however, are designed to deliver controlled doses of the drug over a period of 24 hours. Chewing or breaking the extended-release tablet, however, can cause rapid release and absorption of the drug, and consuming the drug in this manner can have many adverse side effects. Using this drug in such a way can also lead to severe addiction, which may require the help of a Palladone addiction treatment center.
Many Palladone-addicted individuals take alcohol to hasten the release of the extended-release drug. Combining alcohol with Palladone can lead to higher drug levels, which can cause extreme euphoria and a “high” that is more intense than the effects of taking Palladone alone. High levels of Palladone in the blood can cause respiratory depression and other serious ailments that require the help of a medical professional. In case of Palladone overdose, call your local emergency number (911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Palladone Addiction Treatment
Addiction to Palladone or hydromorphone products can be treated using the same methods used in treating opioid addiction. Depending on the severity and length of addiction, a Palladone addict may be treated using the following:
- Gradual dosage reduction or the lowering of the drug’s dosage to seek an appropriate dosage where the patient is comfortable. Tapering the addicted drug’s dose can also help in reducing the withdrawal symptoms that often accompany Palladone detox. The dosage can be lowered to an optimal level or until the patient is no longer addicted to Palladone.
- Drug replacement therapy or substituting the illicit drug with a same-acting drug. In case of Palladone, opioid medications, including buprenorphine, naltrexone, methadone and naloxone, have been proven effective in treating opioid withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone is also used in immediate treatment of opioid overdose.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the various dysfunctional emotions, cognitions, and behaviors of the addicted individual. CBT is can be done inside a luxury inpatient Palladone rehab center or an outpatient facility. Inpatient rehabilitation is recommended for addicted individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions that may need to be addressed together with the detox and rehabilitation process.
- Multidimensional family counseling to improve family functioning by inviting the addicted individual’s family into counseling sessions
- Motivational interviewing to address the willingness of the addict to undergo a Palladone addiction treatment and recovery program
- Motivational incentives or giving rewards in exchange to drug abstinence
- Joining and being active in a local support group like the Narcotics Anonymous to lessen the chances of addiction relapse. If the patient entered an inpatient rehab center, he or she can choose to attend the one-on-one counseling or therapy provided inside the center. This ensures the security and privacy of the patients and their families.
According to SAMHSA, 25.1 percent or half a million emergency department visits involved poly-drug abuse with alcohol in 2009. If the Palladone addict is abusing this drug with alcohol, it may require additional treatments indicated for alcohol detoxification.
Palladone users should know the difference between drug addiction and dependence to ensure that they get the best Palladone addiction treatment available. Assessment and treatment of drug addiction must be done by a knowledgeable physician. Remember that not all doctors are aware of the abuse potential of all prescription medications. It takes a real specialist to know the indications, precautions, and side effects of medical products. To find the best Palladone addiction treatment and specialist in your area, call and discuss various treatment and recovery options suitable for you or your loved one’s specific needs.
Factoid
In 2005, six months after the introduction and release of Palladone in the market, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the sales and marketing of Palladone because of the potential severe side effects if this drug is combined with alcohol. Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of Palladone, has also agreed to take the drug out of the market in compliance with FDA’s request.
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