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.
What are the signs 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.
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