Hydromorphone effects on human conversational speech.

The present study provides an objective assessment of the increased talkativeness associated with acute opiate drug administration. Speech of five methadone-maintenance subjects was recorded continuously for 1 h following the injection of 0, 10, 14, or 18 mg hydromorphone. Dose-related increases in subjects' speech were observed, while no systematic changes were seen in speech of an undrugged partner. Dose-related increases were also obtained on an adjective checklist measuring characteristic opiate signs and symptoms. The relationship between behavioral, subjective, and reinforcing drug effects is discussed.