My mother is 69, she had hip replacement 16 days ago. No complications, came home after 2 nights in the hospital. She was put on dilaudid to control her pain, and for 4 or 5 days there were no side effects. Seemingly overnight she's developed delirium; muscle spasms, jerking and twitching, hallucinations, and strange way of speaking. We stopped the medication 3 days ago, but these delirium symptoms are seemingly worse today. There is no cognitive impairment, she's alert to who/ where and all. It seems like one minute she's okay speaking to me, and the next she's slurring her words speaking to someone who isn't there. I'm worried about possible causes, it seems to late to be post operative delirium, and she stopped the pain medicine 72 hours ago. Does anyone else have experience with this. Do we need to head into the ER? Your input is greatly appreciated!
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http://www.rxlist.com/dilaudid-side-effects-drug-center.htm
"Serious side effects of Dilaudid include:
• confusion
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe weakness or drowsiness
• mental/mood changes (such as agitations, confusion, hallucinations)
I would call 911 and have her checked, perhaps they can help detoxing her even at home
Perhaps you can have her evaluated as an emergency, rule out the worst things, and then bring her back home straight away? Sending you warm thoughts, it'll be ok.
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I would call the surgeon immediately. A change in mental status IS an emergency.
Call 911 if you can't get doc on the phone.