Methadone is a narcotic pain reliever, similar to morphine
Legally authorized opioid used to treat Heroin addiction
Methadone is not as intense as Heroin…though it too is addictive
Suppresses narcotic withdrawal for between 24 and 36 hours
Because methadone is effective in eliminating withdrawal symptoms, it is used in detoxifying opiate addicts
Reduces the cravings associated with heroin use and blocks the high from heroin, but it does not provide the euphoric rush
Ultimately, the patient remains physically dependent on the opioid, but is freed from the uncontrolled, compulsive, and disruptive behavior seen in heroin addicts.
Street Names
Juice, dollies, amidone, fizzies
Who Uses Methadone?
Most people being treated for dependence on opioid drugs
People who are dependent on illicit opioids, such as heroin, and also prescription opioids, such as codeine
Women who use opioid drugs regularly and who are pregnant are often treated with methadone to protect the fetus.
Methadone maintenance, combined with medical care, improves the chances of having a healthy baby.
Methadone is sometimes used to provide pain relief for people who have severe chronic pain or pain associated with terminal illness.
Routes of Administration
Methadone is available with a prescription under the brand names
Dolophine and Methadose
Orally
Tablets
Dispersible tablets
Oral solution (liquid) Â
Injection
Signs & Symptoms of Use
constipation
water retention
drowsiness
skin rash
excessive sweating
and changes in libido
feeling anxious
nervous
or restless
sleep problems-insomnia
feeling weak or drowsy
dry mouth
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
loss of appetite
decreased sex drive
Short - Term Effects
Painkilling and depressing effects
Can slow breathing
Hallucinations
Confusion
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fainting
Fast or pounding heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Feeling light-headed
Fainting
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Sedation
Vertigo
Edema
Impotence
Symptoms of Methadone Withdrawal?
Many former heroin users have claimed that the horrors of heroin withdrawal were far less painful and difficult than withdrawal from methadone.
Methadone withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
sneezing
yawning
tearing of eyes
runny nose
excessive perspiration
fever
dilated pupils
abdominal cramps
nausea
body aches
tremors
irritability
Long - Term Effects
DEATH
What are the symptoms of methadone overdose?
Body as a whole
muscle spasticity
Respiratory
difficulty breathing
slow, shallow and labored breathing
stopped breathing (sometimes fatal within 2-4 hours)
Eyes, ears, nose and throat
pinpoint pupils
bluish skin
bluish fingernails and lips
Gastrointestinal
spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
constipation
Heart and blood vessels
weak pulse
low blood pressure
Nervous system
Drowsiness
Disorientation
coma
anaphylactic reactions
hypertension causing weakness and fainting
disorientation
hallucinations
unstable gait
tremor
muscle twitching
myasthenia gravis
kidney failure
seizures
Buprenorphine
Methadone or buprenorphine may be used for OxyContin addiction treatment or, for that matter, treatment for addiction to any other opiod, including the semisynthetic opioids.
References:
Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs (Paperback), 6th edition, by Darryl Inaba & William E. Cohen
