Methadone Effects & Withdrawal
Methadone is perhaps best known for its use in alleviating the withdrawal symptoms associated with patients detoxifying from a heroin (or other narcotic) addiction. It is also a potent morphine-like pain-relieving narcotic. While it is useful when used as prescribed, it can result in significant withdrawal symptoms if suddenly discontinued.
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Intended Effects: Suppressing Withdrawal Symptoms
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Methadone has undergone numerous clinical trials and has been proven safe and effective in treating withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction. It works to reduce the craving for opioid by occupying the opioid receptor (which is normally occupied by heroin) and helps your body stabilize, eliminating the symptoms that occur with discontinuing the use of morphine, heroin and other opiates. While it is widely used for the long-term treatment of addicts, it is not a cure for the addiction.
Intended Effects: Pain Relief
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In 2008, a New York Times article pointed out the rising use of methadone as a pain reliever and the dangers associated with that use. Since it is a synthetic opioid, it is a cost-effective, long-lasting and effective pain reliever that is becoming more prevalent in its prescription usage. Methadone can effectively relieve debilitating, chronic pain when used correctly. It can also be deadly when used incorrectly with some questions about proper dosages and deadly drug interactions.
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Side Effects
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Common side effects of methadone include insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, vomiting/nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, changes in appetite, decreased libido, male impotence and difficulty reaching orgasm. More serious side effects include allergic reactions, hallucinations, shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, fainting and light-headedness. If you experience any of these side effects, be sure to contact your doctor or seek emergency help at once. Tell your doctor about any other medications you take and your alcohol use to avoid potentially serious or deadly interactions.
Withdrawal
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As with any other narcotic, sudden discontinued use of methadone will produce withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, hypertension, increased perspiration, enlarged pupils, runny nose, watery eyes, chills, abdominal discomfort, cramping, sore muscles, achy joints, nausea, diarrhea, muscle spasms and an overall "sick" feeling. The most severe symptoms usually emerge between 24 and 48 hours of your last dose and will increase in their intensity over the next six days. At that point, your withdrawal symptoms should start to lessen, with nearly all symptoms gone within two weeks. Some of the more minor symptoms like general achiness and discomfort, changes in appetite and insomnia may continue for as long as six months. Withdrawal symptoms can be minimized by slowly weaning off of the drug over a period of time.
The Ripple Effect: Social Benefits
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Additional beneficial effects include the low cost and effect that methadone has had on the spread of HIV/AIDS. As compared to the cost of incarcerating heroin addicts, the approximately $13 per day that it costs for methadone treatment is significantly lower. Additionally, since it assists heroin addicts in "kicking" the habit and decreasing the erratic behaviors of addicts (needle sharing, risky sexual activity and prostitution), it has also had a noteworthy effect in reducing theft, petty crime and the spread of various diseases.
Warning
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While methadone can be very effective in treating both addiction and various types of pain, if used improperly, it can result in death. Be sure to take this medication only as prescribed. Like other narcotics, methadone works on your central nervous system and can depress respiration. Taking this with other narcotics or alcohol can intensify the effects and put you at risk of death. Tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking (including OTC medications, herbal supplements and vitamins) to avoid potentially serious or life-threatening interactions.
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