What
is Methadone and how is it used
Methadone is a (synthetic opiate) narcotic that
when administered once a day, orally, in adequate
doses, can usually suppress a heroin addict's
craving and withdrawal for 24 hours. Patients
are as physically dependent on methadone as they
were to heroin or other opiates, such as Oxycotin
or Vicodin. Each time an addict uses heroin,
there is a cycle of consisting of intoxication,
initially, followed by a period of normal mental
functioning which then yields to the discomfort
of withdrawal and craving (flu-like symptoms
with pain, anxiety and depression).
The cycle that repeats every 4 to 8 hours with
heroin is eliminated by expert methadone maintenance
treatment. This is possible because methadone
is released more slowly into the system and lasts
much longer than heroin and most other opiates.
Short acting opiates, like heroin, hydrocodone
and morphine perpetuate and/or create abnormal
processes in the brain, which interfere with
feeling normal and functioning normally. Taking
methadone, instead, stops most aspects of this
destructive process while normalizing important
neurobiological functions. After stabilization
on the proper dose, methadone does not produce
the rush or “high” associated with
heroin abuse.
What are the side effects of Methadone
The most common side effects of Methadone are:
drowsiness
lightheadedness
weakness
euphoria
dry mouth
urinary retention
constipation, and
slow or troubled breathing
Some occasional side effects are:
allergic reactions
skin rash
hives
itching
headache
dizziness
impaired concentration
sensation of drunkenness
confusion
depression
blurred or double vision
facial flushing
sweating
heart palpitation
nausea
and vomiting
The least common side effects of Methadone are:
anaphylactic reactions
hypotension causing weakness and fainting
disorientation
hallucinations
unstable gait
tremor
muscle twitching
myasthenia gravis
The risks include kidney failure and seizures.
Symptoms of overdose are:
What are the signes of a Methadone overdose?
marked drowsiness
confusion
tremors
convulsions
stupor leading to coma
cold and clammy skin
hypotension
bradycardia
Detoxification from Methadone
For detoxification treatment, methadone is administered
under close supervision. During detoxification
a patient may receive methadone when there are
symptoms of withdrawal. Such symptoms are sneezing,
yawning, tearing of eyes, runny nose, excessive
perspiration, fever, dilated pupils, abdominal
cramps, nausea, body aches, tremors and irritability.
After several days of stabilizing a patient with
methadone, the amount is gradually decreased.
The rate at which it is decreased is dependent
on the reaction of the individual . . . keeping
withdrawal symptoms at a tolerable level is the
goal. |
