Sometimes we may experience severe, persistent aches and pains that cannot be controlled with ordinary painkillers. Or, some people, due to ignorance or other reasons, become addicted to drugs and suffer a lot because they cannot get rid of them. In such cases, a special medicine prescribed by doctors is called Methadone. So today, let's talk about this medicine, its function, things to be careful about while using it, and everything about its side effects.
What is Methadone? What does it do?
Simply put, Methadone is a powerful drug used for two main purposes. It belongs to a class of drugs called 'Opioids'.
1. To control severe, chronic pain: If you can't tolerate other painkillers, or if they don't control your pain, doctors may prescribe this medication. It works by blocking pain signals to the brain, reducing the pain you feel.
2. As a treatment for opioid addiction: When someone addicted to drugs like heroin stops using them, the body experiences withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use the drug again. Methadone helps reduce those symptoms and cravings and helps the person return to a better life. However, for this treatment to be successful, it is essential to take this medication along with counseling and behavioral therapy .
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before you start taking methadone, it is very important to inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, as this information will determine the dosage and other factors that will affect your treatment.
| If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor: | |
|---|---|
| Problems related to the nervous system | Brain tumors, head injuries, seizures |
| History of addiction | Addiction to other drugs or alcohol, frequent drinking |
| Heart and blood pressure | Heart disease, low blood pressure |
| Respiratory system | Lung disease, asthma, or other breathing difficulties |
| Other physical conditions | Kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, low adrenal gland function, intestinal or stomach problems |
| Mental health | Any mental illness |
| Use of other medications | If you have taken MAOI medications (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) within the past 14 days |
| Special occasions | If you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to methadone, other opioid painkillers, other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is a medicine that comes in the form of a solution. So, remember these instructions carefully.
- Measure accurately: Measure the exact dose prescribed by your doctor, using the special spoon or cup provided for that purpose. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons, as they are not accurate.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, take it with food.
- Mixing: If you want, you can mix the medicine into a fruit juice or food and take it right away. But do not save the food or drink that has the medicine in it for later use .
- Take it on time: Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without medical advice. Doing so may cause serious side effects.
Important: Special care should be taken when using this medicine in children. Talk to your doctor about this.
Oh my! What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This can be life-threatening.
Other drugs that interact with Methadone (Drug Interactions)
This is a very important part. Methadone is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins).
| Drugs that should never be taken with Methadone | |
|---|---|
| Some medications for fungal infections | Eg: itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole |
| Some medications for heart rhythm disorders | Ex: dronedarone, quinidine |
| Other medications | Cisapride, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline |
| Other drugs and substances that may interact with Methadone | |
Alcohol, antihistamines, HIV/AIDS medications, some antibiotics, depression, anxiety, or sleep medications, seizure medications, some cancer medications, other medications for heart rhythm disorders, medications used to numb or relax muscles during surgery, and other opioid painkillers. | |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Doctor visits: Visit your doctor on scheduled dates to check the progress of your treatment.
- Drowsiness and alertness: This medicine may make you feel sleepy and dizzy. It may also reduce your ability to concentrate and make decisions. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.
- Be aware of Naloxone: Naloxone is a life-saving emergency drug given in the event of an opioid overdose. It may be important for someone taking methadone to have this on hand and for family members to know how to use it. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Constipation: Constipation is common with this medication. If you do not have a bowel movement after 3 days, call your doctor.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is also common. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on candy, and drinking plenty of water.
- Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, or if you are already pregnant. Taking this medicine during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in your baby.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medication, methadone can cause side effects.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion, and sleepiness that cannot be awakened. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, blurred vision, fainting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting. | |
How to keep medicine safe?
This is very important: This medicine has the potential to be abused. It can also be fatal if it gets into the hands of another adult, child, or pet.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
- Do not give this medicine to others for any reason. Doing so is a punishable offense and is a very dangerous act.
- Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and keep the bottle cap tightly closed.
- Do not use after the expiration date. Ask your doctor how to properly dispose of any leftover medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Methadone is a powerful medication used to treat severe pain and opioid addiction. It should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
- Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery as drowsiness may occur while taking the medication. Avoid drinking alcohol.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Never share this medicine with others. Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
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