Skip to main content

Methadone - Uses, Side Effects, and Withdrawal

methadone

Methadone is an opiate narcotic analgesic. Methadone has two main functions. It is prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain in patients when non-narcotic pain relievers do not achieve adequate results. It is also used to prevent withdrawal symptoms and dependence in patients who are addicted to opiate drugs, such as heroin or morphine.

Methadone for Pain Relief

When used to treat moderate to severe pain, methadone works by changing the way the nervous system and the brain respond to pain. Methadone is considered an opiate (narcotic) analgesic.

Methadone is used every four to 12 hours to relieve pain. The prescribing physician will decided on the correct dosage based on the needs of the individual patient. Dosages may be increased or decreased depending on the level of pain relief achieved.

Methadone should not be stopped without first discussing this with the prescribing doctor. Doctors generally decrease the dosage to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone for Treatment of Narcotic Addiction, Withdrawal, and Dependence

Methadone has been used for over 30 years to safely and effectively treat narcotic withdrawal and dependence. Heroin or morphine type drugs release an excess of dopamine in the body and cause users to need heroine or the drug of choice to continuously occupy the opioid receptor in the brain. Methadone works by occupying the opioid receptor and is the stabilizer to allow addicts to change their behavior and stop heroin or other opioid drug use by eliminating withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone suppresses narcotic withdrawal for 24 to 36 hours. It reduces cravings associated with heroin or other opioid drugs and blocks the high and does not provide an euphoric rush. Patients on methadone do not experience extreme highs and lows associated with different heroin levels in the blood stream.

Methadone withdrawal is slower than heroin withdrawal. Addicts on methadone do not experience the harsh side effects of heroin. Many patients require continuous treatment for several years.

Methadone treatment programs are highly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Patients on a methadone treatment program for opioid addiction are required to report to methadone clinics and physician offices to obtain doses of methadone.

Side Effects of Methadone

Methadone can cause a number of side effects. Any of the following side effects, if severe, should be reported to the prescribing physician:
  • weakness
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • drowsiness
  • weight gain
  • vision problems
  • mood changes
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • swelling of the hands, arms, feet or legs
  • sweating or flushing
  • stomach pain
  • constipation
  • difficulty urinating
  • dry mouth
  • missed menstrual periods
  • decreased sexual ability or desire

Patients need to contact their doctor immediately if they experience any seizures, itching, hives, or have a rash.

Warning Regarding Methadone Usage

Methadone may cause an irregular heartbeat or slowed breathing, both can be life-threatening. Patients should contact their physician immediately if they experience:
  • difficulty breathing
  • extreme drowsiness
  • shallow or slow breathing
  • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • severe dizziness
  • faintness
  • confusion

The risk of these side effects is greatest when methadone is first used. Doctors may start a patient on a low dose and gradually increase the dose as the body adjusts to the medication.

Never take more methadone than prescribed. If taking methadone for pain management, pain may return before it is time for the next dose of methadone. Do not take an extra dose. Methadone can build up in the body and cause a life threatening side effect. Talk to the doctor if the pain medication is not lasting long enough between doses.

Considerations Regarding Methadone Use

Methadone is an effective treatment for patients in severe pain. It can be used safely and has shown positive results in opioid addicted patients.

Methadone should be stored in a safe place and never be used by a person that was not prescribed the medication. Keep track of how many tablets or how much solution is left to help determine if any is missing.

Always keep appointments with doctors, clinics, and laboratories. Physicians will need to check on every patient's response to methadone. Methadone is not a refillable prescription. Patients will need to see the doctor each time a prescription is needed.

buy steroids from europe

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Treating Insect Bites

You don’t have to sit back and just passively put up with insects, particularly those that like to bite like mosquitoes or wasps. Eat asparagus and your sweat will expand an odor that repels insects. Or apply a piece of lemon oil to your skin.If you are bitten, there are natural substances to soothe the irritation. Aloe vera has astonishing powers of soothing skin disorders. It is available in forms for both internal and external application in most health and beauty stores. If you have one of these remarkable plants growing at home, cut the tip off one of the leaves. Put the pulp and juice to the itching or swollen area. Lightly boiled cabbage or leek makes an excellent analgesic poultice. Of course, if you are hiking in the woods, you might have a little problem finding cabbage. Plantain is another plant that also works well. Cut it and rub it to get to the juice then apply it to the harmed area.
Read more

Hard Work Beats Talent

Hard effect beatniks talent. Whether you conceive that or not is up to you but I conceive it does and I’ll verify you why. I am an warning that it works. I couldn’t modify fortuity 5.30 for the knot when I prototypal started running. Does an player who runs a 5.30 knot exhibit possibleness to stop 5.19 manoeuvre for 26.2 miles? Not probable to someone who thinks short-term but to those who are on the edge, the ones who hit no construct of gift up, it is rattling such a possibility. The aforementioned goes for you. Regardless what it is. You hit to wager that nonentity as a actuality that crapper become in your life. If I had a note for every precocious player that either got tired with the climb we contend in, got preoccupied with another goals in chronicle or exclusive quit, I would be flush Negro by now. An individualist cannot rely on his or her talent to intend by. Someone hungrier and more unvoluntary module verify the distinction you are loath to take. Regardless ...
Read more

Green Superheroes

Romaine. (Cancer Prevention) This celery-flavored green is one of the best vegetable sources of beta-carotene—712 micrograms per cup. Recent studies showed that high levels of beta-carotene impends the growth of prostate cancer cells by 50 percent. Arugula (Bone Health) . One cup of these mustard-flavored leaves has 10 percent of the bone-building mineral that can be in a glass of whole milk and 100 percent less saturated fat. There’s also some magnesium which assure more protection against osteoporosis. Watercress (Protects the Pipes) . It’s a pepper-flavored filter for your body. Watercress contains phytochemicals that may stop cigarette smoke and other airborne pollutants from causing lung cancer. Endive (Heart Health) . It’s slightly bitter but it offers twice the fiber of iceberg lettuce. A cup of endive also provides almost 20 percent of your day by day requirement of folate. People who don’t get enough of this vital B vitamin may have a 50 percent greater risk of...
Read more