"i was hospitalized for 2 months with partial paralysis and neuropathy from an autoimmune syndrome. i had severe pain 7 to 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.  1mg iv dilaudid every 4 hrs during the early part of my hospitalization with a saline flush erased my pain in minutes without creating drowsiness, mental impairment, or euphoria. i was able to think clearly and solve complex problems.  i was switched to the pills after a few weeks.  dilaudid allowed me enough relief so i could go to sleep without distracting pain and wake up in the morning without residual effects.  your constitution may be different. i was able to stop cold turkey after 2 months without withdrawal symptoms. your experience may be different. follow doctor&#039;s instructions exactly."