Methadone

Everything You Need To Know About Methadone

Overview

Methadone is a synthetic opioid. The medication is commonly used as a maintenance drug for treating opioid addicts. It is also used in cancer and chronic non-malignant pain.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone belongs to a category of drugs referred to as opioids. German doctors created it during World War II. Doctors in the United States started using it to treat people experiencing extreme pain. It is available as part of a treatment program for an addiction to heroin or narcotic painkillers.

Although it is safer than other narcotics, patients should be supervised while taking methadone. The medicine may lead to addiction or abuse.

Types of Methadone

Methadone is a pharmaceutical opioid. It is marketed as the following:

  • Oral Concentrate (10 mg/ml)
  • Powder (50, 100, and 500 mg/bottle)
  • Oral solution (5 and 10 mg/5ml)
  • Injection (10mg/ml)
  • Tablet (5, 10, and 40 mg)

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone alters how the brain and nervous system respond to pain and provides relief. The effects of methadone are slower as compared to other painkillers, such as morphine. A doctor may prescribe methadone to provide relief from injury, surgery, or long-term illness.

Another role of this medicine is to block the ‘high’ effect of drugs such as oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, heroin, and morphine. It is used for replacement therapy for patients addicted to drugs. Methadone is just a part of the treatment plan. It is not a cure for addiction.

Conditions and Symptoms Treated

Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It is aimed at helping individuals with opiate addiction reduce or quit the drug altogether. This medicine has been used for decades to treat drug addiction, such as heroin and narcotic pain medication. Methadone has also been used as a detoxification and maintenance treatment for opioid addiction. In the past several years, methadone has been widely used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Another use is controlling withdrawal symptoms in individuals with Opioid Use Disorders (OUD).

Methadone is effectively used in treating the following symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndrome among patients with physical dependence on opioids:

  • Generalized pain
  • Chills and fever
  • Dilated pupils
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Intense cravings
  • Increased blood pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

Methadone has a delayed onset. The effects start around 30-45 minutes after oral intake. Patients can experience the peak effect approximately after 2-4 hours of its intake. Methadone deposits in tissues and shows a steady-state effect within 3-7 days.

One should not take methadone with alcohol. It can cause life-threatening conditions. Additionally, avoid taking it with the following drugs: Anticonvulsant drugs (phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, etc.) Antiviral drugs (abacavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, etc.) Antibiotics (rifampicin, rifabutin, etc.)

Taking more methadone than prescribed can result in serious side effects. Some of the symptoms of over-medication include a feeling of “high,” drugged, drowsiness, unsteady, slowness, difficulty breathing, itchy, blue lips, mental confusion, extremely contracted pupils, a slow heartbeat, or feeling very calm. Overdose of methadone can result in an unusual boost in energy. Patients can stay awake for a more extended period of time as a result of overmedication. Strictly avoid ignoring symptoms of overdose. Contact your doctor to be safe. Mixing drugs or alcohol with methadone can be fatal.

Methadone is a controlled substance. Therefore, there is a potential for addiction. It is crucial to take it as prescribed under the guidance of medical experts to minimize the risk of addiction.

Patients who feel better and no longer wish to continue the treatment should not stop the medication abruptly. They should work closely with their physician. This is important to wean off of the medication gradually and safely. Stopping the medication abruptly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. All traces of methadone must be eliminated for the system to ensure patients remain opioid-free without the assistance of medication.

Depending on their response, patients may require continuing with the treatment of methadone long-term. Some may use it for a short period of time to achieve desired results. The length of time a patient must be on prescribed methadone purely depends on his or her unique treatment needs.

This treatment is available only through Comprehensive Treatment Centers with board-certified professionals. Methadone treatment is customized to meet the specific treatment requirements of the individual patient. Several factors can affect the overall cost of treatment, such as the therapeutic interventions used for the patient, the type of payment approved, and the specific medication prescribed.

No. When administered at a proper dose under the guidance of a licensed and experienced professional, methadone will not make you high.

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