Methadone Treatment: Uses, Benefits, and What to Expect

Introduction

Opioid use disorder is a condition that affects 2.1 million Americans and 16 million people worldwide. Methadone is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication for opioid use disorder treatment, as it is an opioid agonist. It is also used in the treatment of pain. As it is a highly regulated Schedule II controlled medication, it is only available under a doctor’s prescription. It must only be taken under medical supervision.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is an opioid agonist used in the medication-assisted treatment or MAT of opioid use disorder. It helps in the treatment of those who want to quit the use of opiates like heroin. As methadone is an FDA-approved medication, it is safe and effective and has been used in the treatment of opioid use disorder for decades now.

However, it is important to note that methadone is a Schedule II controlled medication. What this means is that it is available under the doctor’s prescription only and must be taken only under medical supervision for safety and efficiency purposes. For the best outcomes, clients must also engage in comprehensive MAT programs incorporating counseling and social support.

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How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone is available in diskettes, liquids, and powders. So, now the question is what is methadone used for? Well, it is mainly used to treat opioid use disorders like heroin addiction, fentanyl addiction, morphine addiction, oxycodone addiction, codeine addiction, and so on.

It works by reducing the craving for opioids by decreasing or blocking their effects. It gives a similar type of feeling and at the same time controls withdrawal symptoms as well. This is what is known as a replacement therapy, similar to the one used in the treatment of nicotine dependence.

Moreover, methadone is also used in the treatment of pain. It works by changing how the brain responds to pain and provides pain relief. Hence, methadone is used for pain-relieving treatments for injuries, after surgeries, or in the cases of chronic illnesses.

Side Effects of Methadone

Methadone, while a useful medication in the treatments of opioid use disorder and pain, has its downsides. There are certain side effects to consider, and the methadone side effects are as follows:

• Nausea/vomiting

• Restlessness

• Itching

• Sweating

• Constipation

• Sexual difficulties

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, and throat

• Shallow breathing

• Chest pain

• Fainting

• Seizures

• Confusion and hallucinations

Any of these side effects must not be overlooked. They must be reported to the doctor accordingly, and in cases of more serious side effects, emergency services (like 9-1-1 in the U.S.) can also be contacted.

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How Is Methadone Used?

Methadone comes in liquid, powder, and tablet forms. It is only provided under a doctor’s prescription. If prescribed for pain, then the dosage and frequency will be as per the doctor’s instructions.

If it is prescribed for opioid use disorder, then methadone will be a part of MAT, which also includes counseling and social support programs.

The dosage and frequency of methadone will vary as per the unique needs and circumstances of each person. The dosage and frequency can be changed as well. Basically, medication management becomes very important with methadone. Moreover, in case of side effects, it also becomes very important to contact the doctor as they will control the medication as required.

What’s more important to note is that even though methadone is highly controlled, people do take it illegally, mostly via injections. This is very dangerous in itself and also increases the risk of conditions like HIV/AIDS.

Methadone Benefits

Methadone’s main benefit comes from methadone treatment. Methadone treatment is a comprehensive program that helps battle opioid use disorder. The benefits of methadone treatment are:

• Methadone detoxification is one of the safest ways to detox. Detox is a medically supervised way of gradually reducing drug intake while also managing the withdrawal symptoms. Methadone helps with this and also reduces cravings for opioids.

• Methadone treatment integrates psychotherapy, which enables clients to identify the underlying reasons for opioid use disorder and focus on leading a healthy, sober lifestyle.

• Methadone treatment helps in reducing long-term health complications related to opioid use, like liver and kidney damage.

• Methadone maintenance therapy, which is a long-term therapy that reduces opioid withdrawal and cravings, has good retention rates. It means that clients who partake in this program tend to stick with it.

• Methadone treatment promotes an overall healthy lifestyle, as clients will be engaging in several activities like meditation, yoga, and other creative programs as well.

Apart from the above, methadone is also used to treat pain. It is used to treat pain pertaining to injuries, surgeries, and chronic illnesses.

Methadone Risks

Methadone does come with its risks, there is a potential for methadone misuse, methadone dependence, cardiac arrhythmias, and even methadone overdose.

Moreover, methadone can interact with other medications like those pertaining to anxiety, depression, headaches, stomach problems, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and anesthetics, among others. It also interacts with alcohol. Therefore, it is always important to be clear with the doctor or other healthcare providers and provide information regarding all the prescription medication, non-prescription medication, herbs, and other dietary supplements one might be taking so as to reduce any chances of risks pertaining to drug interactions.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women and Methadone

Opioid use disorder can affect anyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Methadone can be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women. In fact, methadone maintenance therapy helps pregnant and breastfeeding women better manage their opioid withdrawal symptoms and also avoids risk to both the mother and the child.

However, one thing to keep in mind is neonatal abstinence syndrome or NAS. According to the study, “Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome after Methadone or Buprenorphine Exposure,” there is a risk of NAS in cases of prenatal exposure to methadone where newborn babies experience withdrawal. Symptoms appear within 72 hours after birth. So, one can always have a conversation with their doctor regarding NAS and its risks if taking methadone while pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is methadone a strong narcotic?

Methadone is a synthetic narcotic. It is used in the treatment of pain and opioid use disorder.

What is another name for methadone?

Methadone goes by the names of Dolophine, Methadose, Methatab, and so on.

Is methadone a controlled substance?

Yes, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.