About Methadone Medication

Methadone is a medication that’s used in medication-assisted therapy (MAT) to reduce or stop the use of heroin and other opiates. Methadone is a medication that has been used for many decades to treat heroin addiction and pain medications. It is safe and effective when taken according to instructions. It helps people overcome their addiction and regain a meaningful and active life. Patients should be enrolled in comprehensive medication-assisted therapy (MAT) programs that include counseling and support such as substance abuse treatment.

What Does Methadone Do?

Methadone affects the brain’s response to pain. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and blocks the euphoric effects from opiate drugs like heroin, codeine and morphine as well as semi-synthetic opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone.

Methadone can be purchased in tablet, liquid and wafer form at a Methadone Clinic. It is usually taken once per day. A dose of methadone can provide pain relief for up to four to eight hours. SAMHSA’s TIP43: Medication-Assisted Treatment For Opioid Addiction In Opioid Programs – 2012 shows methadone can be effective at higher doses, especially for heroin users. This helps them to stay in treatment programs for longer periods.

Methadone, like all medication used in medication-assisted therapy (MAT) is to be prescribed in a comprehensive treatment plan which includes counseling and participation at social support programs.

How Can A Patient Receive Methadone?

Methadone must be administered to patients who are addicted to opioids. Patients may be allowed to use methadone at their home after a period of stability, based on the patient’s progress and consistent compliance with the medication dose. Methadone cannot be administered by any opioid treatment program (OTP), approved by SAMHSA.

Each person’s experience with methadone treatment will vary. The National Institute on Drug Abuse publication Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment – A Research-Based Guide 2012 states that methadone treatment should last no less than 12 months. Some patients may need treatment for many years. Patients may not feel ready to discontinue methadone treatment. However, they must stop it gradually to avoid withdrawal. A doctor should supervise such a decision.

Methadone Safety

Methadone addiction can make it addictive so you must use it exactly as directed. Patients who can take methadone at their own pace and don’t need to be monitored at an OTP are exempted from this requirement. Methadone medication is tailored to each patient. Doses are adjusted frequently and readjusted. It is not to be given or shared with others. To ensure safe medication use, patients should discuss their entire health history with their health care providers.

Methadone may be metabolized by other medications, which can lead to heart problems. The active ingredients of methadone can remain in the body long after the drug’s effects wear off. Unintentional overdose can result from taking more methadone.

These tips will help you achieve the best possible treatment results.

• Do not exceed the prescribed dose and take your medication at the prescribed times. Do not take more methadone if you feel it isn’t working or missed a dose.
• Take methadone with alcohol.
• Methadone can cause you to be unsafe when operating machinery or driving.
• Call 911 if you have taken too much Methadone or suspect that you may have overdosed.
• You can prevent your children from taking methadone accidentally.
• Keep methadone at room temperatures and away from sunlight.
• Flush any unused methadone down the toilet.

Side Effects Of Methadone

Side effects should not be ignored as they may indicate an emergency. Methadone users should immediately stop using methadone and consult a doctor.

• Symptoms of difficulty or shallow breathing
• Feel faint or lightheaded
• You may experience hives, a rash, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or face.
• Feel the pain in your chest
• Feel a quick or pounding heartbeat
• Hallucinations and confusion can be experienced

Pregnant/Baby-feeding Women and Methadone

Methadone is safe for women who are pregnant or nursing. If a woman is pregnant and experiences withdrawal from an abused drug, it can cause her uterus to contract. This could lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Methadone can prevent withdrawal symptoms, which helps pregnant women manage their addiction and avoid health risks for both baby and mother.

While methadone maintenance treatment is not recommended for pregnant women, it can cause birth defects. However, some babies might experience withdrawal after giving birth. However, this does not necessarily mean that the baby has become addicted. Infant withdrawal can begin within a few days of birth, but it may take up to four weeks.

Breastfeeding is possible for mothers who take methadone. Research shows that breastfeeding is better than taking methadone. Talk to your doctor if you are considering stopping methadone treatment because of concerns about pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Program:

Adults with an addiction to Methadone are best served by a Methadone Clinic. Another way offers Methadone and Suboxone medications that can be used to treat opioid addiction. Another Way offers the best addiction treatment services in the industry. Contact us today to schedule your new patient appointment!