Developed as a painkiller by Nazi scientists in World War II, methadone use came in vogue in the US in the 1960’s as a legal substitute drug for heroin and opiates. Methadone was not or is not ever used as a treatment for opiate addiction, as it does not treat heroin or opiate addiction but keeps the opiate addict from painful withdrawal.
For some, Methadone is used for pain relief and for others it is a favored drug of abuse. For many, it represents a life planned around a daily trip to a Methadone clinic to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms – this life sometimes described as a life not worth living.
Many people have questions about methadone:
Is Methadone safe?
Methadone is a drug, and its use can and does lower respiratory and heart rates. Combined with other drugs or alcohol, Methadone use is deadly; the combination stops the heart. For someone not used to taking an opiate (many opiate users develop an incredible tolerance to opiates), a few Methadone pills kills them. Methadone related deaths are on the rise throughout the United States, in many areas higher than heroin or other opiate related deaths. Methadone contributes to more deaths nationwide than any other prescription narcotic.
Recently it has also gained popularity among doctors as a pain medication. This can be dangerous is the patient is also taking other medications, or abuses Methadone.
Why do people abuse Methadone?
It can cause a high similar to opiate use.Why do I hear about so many Methadone related deaths?
Recently Methadone has been involved in high profile deaths such as Daniel Smith, Anna-Nichole Smith’s son, and possibly Anna-Nichole herself. Experts agree that more doctors are prescribing Methadone as a pain killer instead of Oxycontin or other painkillers. This could be partially because of the increased media attention on prescription pain medication addiction. However, experts also agree that not enough education is given to patients using Methadone as a pain-killer; an amount that an opiate addict may find comfortable would kill someone not used to opiates.Why is mixing methadone with other drugs especially dangerous?
Methadone reduces heart-rate and respiration, and even a small amount of alcohol or other medications can suppress respiration and heart-rate to deadly levels. Someone not aware of this interaction will overdose and die. Many people don’t know that drugs such as a diuretics (water pills); certain antibiotics, some heart or blood pressure medications, HIV medications, some MAO inhibitors, other narcotic medications such as Subutex, or seizure medication can cause a deadly affect when mixed with small amounts of Methadone. Additionally, as it’s use as a pain medication is relatively new, doctors who prescribe it for pain relief are not as experienced as those who prescribe it in the clinics.Why are Methadone overdoses on the rise?
Methadone overdose is not necessarily typical of other opiates. Reports indicate that taking more heroin or Oxycontin can produce an extra “high” before an overdose; Methadone does not do this. There are no warning signs with methadone. One’s breathing and heart simply slows to a stop.What are the warning signs of a methadone overdose?
Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following symptoms occur after taking methadone:
• muscle spasticity
• difficulty breathing
• slow, shallow and labored breathing
• stopped breathing (sometimes fatal within 2-4 hours)
• pinpoint pupils
• bluish skin
• bluish fingernails and lips
• spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
• constipation
• weak pulse
• low blood pressure
• drowsiness
• disorientation
• coma
• death
• respiratory depression
• circulatory collapse
• cardiac arrest
• euphoria
• motor retardation
• sedation
I am addicted to Methadone. What do I do?
Do not stop taking Methadone abruptly, as this will cause you to go into severe withdrawals. Consult with your doctor and contact The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia for information on beating Methadone addiction or opiate addiction.
