Sometimes the pain we experience becomes so severe that it cannot be controlled with ordinary painkillers. Also, some people struggle to get rid of severe addictions such as drug use. Methadone is a very powerful drug that is recommended by doctors in such special cases. Since it is given as an injection, we will talk about it clearly today.
What is Methadone?
Simply put, Methadone is a medication used for two main purposes.
1. Control severe pain: It is given when other painkillers cannot control the pain or when the body cannot tolerate them. It works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
2. Treating Opioid Use Disorder: This medication is given to people who are addicted to drugs like heroin to help them get off of them. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug.
The most important thing is that when using this as a treatment for addiction, the best results are achieved when it is combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Methadone is a medication that belongs to the opioid class of drugs and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Okay, this is very important. Before you are given methadone, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely tell them about it.
| Health condition/habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Brain and nervous system | Conditions like a brain tumor, head injury, or seizures. |
| Heart and blood pressure | Heart disease, low blood pressure. |
| Respiratory system | Lung disease, asthma, or other breathing difficulties. |
| Liver and kidneys | Liver or kidney disease. |
| Other medical conditions | Thyroid disease, low adrenal gland function, and intestinal problems. |
| Habits and mental health | Frequent drinking of alcohol, addiction to other drugs, mental illness. |
| Other medications being taken | If you have taken an MAOI medication (e.g. Parnate) within the last 14 days. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or if you have had an allergic reaction to methadone or any other medicine or food. |
How is this vaccine used?
This vaccine is injected under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic.
Also, if you have to use this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and take it properly. Use it exactly as directed, only at the right times. Never take more than the prescribed amount at any one time.
What do you do with used needles?
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the regular trash. They should be put in a special sharps container that can be removed. If you don't have one, ask your healthcare team about how to get one.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suspect that you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Methadone is a medication that can interact with many other medications. This means that when taken with other medications, the effects of those medications or methadone may change, or serious side effects may occur.
In particular, never take Methadone with the following medications:
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- Some medications for heart rhythm disorders (e.g. quinidine, dronedarone)
- Drugs like Cisapride, Pimozide, Thioridazine
In addition, problems can occur with many other medications. For example:
- Alcohol
- Allergy, cough, and cold medications
- Antiretroviral drugs for HIV or AIDS
- Medications for depression, anxiety, or insomnia
- Anticonvulsant medications (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- Muscle relaxants used during surgery
- Other opioid painkillers or cough syrups
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- See your doctor regularly: Go to the clinic on scheduled days to make sure your treatment is going well.
- Tell your doctor about pain: If you are taking this for pain, tell your doctor if the pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have a new type of pain.
- Don't stop suddenly: Your body gets used to this medicine. So never stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause severe reactions. If you do stop, do so as per your doctor's advice, by gradually reducing the dosage.
- Risk of relapse: If you are taking this as a treatment for addiction, do not try to take more of the drug to overcome the effects of this medication. It can even lead to death.
- Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Your alertness may be impaired. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Be careful when getting up: To avoid dizziness and fainting, stand up slowly when getting up from sitting or lying down.
- Constipation: This medicine may cause constipation. If you have difficulty having a bowel movement for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor.
- Know about Naloxone: Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can be given in the event of an opioid overdose. Be aware of the symptoms of an overdose ( slow breathing, extreme drowsiness, inability to wake up). If you have been given this medication, tell your family and loved ones where it is and how to use it. After giving naloxone, the person who gave it must call an emergency ambulance.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medication, methadone can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS Depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion, and difficulty waking up. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Dizziness and drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Headache |
| Nausea and vomiting | Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given. |
Take-Home Message
- Methadone is a very powerful medication used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you take.
- Never share this medicine with anyone else, and keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
- Be aware of the symptoms of an overdose (slow breathing, excessive sleepiness). If you notice any of these, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
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