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Methadone is an Opioid Analgesic variant, used to get rid of moderate to severe body pain. It is also used to get relief from chronic pain. It acts in the brain to change how a body feels and responds to pain. It is an example of the long-term use of Opioids and works intensively to irradicate pain out of the body.

More Information On Methadone:

Methadone is sold in the market and online under the brand name Dolophine and Methadone. Methadone belongs to a class of drugs called Opioid Analgesics. It is an extended-release analgesic used to get relief from severe ongoing pain.

Methadone was first developed in Germany around 1937-1939. It was approved for use as an Analgesic in the year 1947. It was one of the most prescribed analgesics of that time. It is still in the list of the essential medicine list prepared by the WHO (World Health Organisation).

Composition Of Methadone:

Methadone comprises both active and inactive ingredients. Each Methadone tablet contains 5 mg/10 mg of Methadone Hydrochloride USP as the active ingredient and magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch as inactive ingredients in it.

How To Buy Methadone Safely?

As Methadone is banned in many countries, it is not available offline or in pharmaceutical stores but it is available on various online websites. These online websites sell Methadone and its varieties with or without any prescription. But buying it without a prescription is always risky as it has some adverse side effects.

Methods Of Taking Methadone Correctly:

Methadone is taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor in the prescription. Any overdose or underdose or completely stopping it immediately can harm the health of a person.

Before taking Methadone, the following methods should be obeyed:

  • Take this medicine on empty stomach, 1 hour before food or 2 hours after food.
  • Take it only through the mouth i.e. it should not be injected as it can cause serious side effects.
  • Swallow the whole tablet. Do not chew, break or crush.
  • Do not lick or wet the tablet before consuming it.
  • Swallow the whole tablet with water.

Reaction Of The Body To Methadone:

Methadone is a product of Opioid analgesics. When Methadone travels to the brain through the bloodstream, the chemicals attach to the brain cells. The linkage of these chemicals with the receptors produces the same biochemical processes that give people the feeling of pleasure in their day-to-day life activities.

Dosages Of Taking Methadone:

The dosage of taking Methadone varies in children, adults, and older adults. The dosage depends upon the type and severity of the condition you’re using Methadone to treat, your age, the form of Methadone you take, and other medical conditions you may have.

Dosage For Adults:

At the initial stage, 2.5 mg of Methadone every 8-12 hours is taken which may be altered by the doctor afterward. The maximum dose can be up to 10 mg every 8-12 hours.

Dosage For Children:

Methadone is not generally prescribed to children below the age of 17. However, if it is used, then both the usage and dosage are considered by the doctor.

For Older Adults:

Methadone is usually not prescribed to older adults. Doctors think that it slowly damages the kidney, as a result, the body processes the medication in a very slow process.

Withdrawal Symptoms:

Symptoms that are shown when any medicine is stopped suddenly or accidentally are called withdrawal symptoms. All analgesics have their withdrawal symptoms, hence Methadone. The symptoms are tiredness, anxiety, restlessness, sweating, watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, trouble sleeping, muscle aches and pain, goosebumps, severe nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, and depression.

Adverse Effects (Common And Serious):

Any medicine when used improperly way shows dangerous adverse effects hence Methadone shows. It shows both common and serious adverse effects.

Common Side Effects:

The common side effects are:

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pain

Serious Side Effects:

The serious side effects are:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Feeling faint
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Low blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • High blood pressure
  • Fast breathing rate
  • Fast heart rate
  • Chills

Alternatives For Methadone (Natural And Medicinal):

Finding the exact alternative is not possible, but there are some similar medications that are prescribed instead of Methadone.

Natural Substitute:

  • Boswellia
  • Turmeric
  • Cloves
  • Acupuncture
  • Heat and ice

Medicinal Substitute:

Interaction With Other Medicines And Food Items:

Before taking medicine, every patient asks a doctor about some other medicines and food items that should not be taken with the prescribed medicine.

One should make it clear to the doctor if he/she is taking any other medicines before the doctor prescribes Methadone as it can be dangerous if some specific medicines and food items are taken with it.

Medicine Interactions:

Medicines that should not be taken with Methadone are:

  • Butorphanol
  • Nalbuphine
  • Pentazocine
  • Naltrexone
  • Samidorphan
  • Isocarboxazid
  • Linezolid
  • Metaxalone
  • Methylene Blue
  • Safinamide
  • Selegiline

Food Items And Beverages Interaction:

Food items and beverages that should not be taken with Methadone are:

  • Grapefruit
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Alcohol
  • Cigarette

Important:-

  • Alcohol leads to drowsiness. So taking alcohol along with Methadone can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and body imbalance.
  • Cigarette smoking with Methadone may decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice increase the blood levels and effect of Methadone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the key difference between Methadone and other pain relievers?

Methadone is also categorized under pain relievers but it is a slow pain reliever as compared to other strong pain relievers like Morphine. This is the only difference between Methadone and other pain relievers.

Is Methadone an Opioid Analgesic or an Anti- Inflammatory Analgesic?

Methadone is an example of an Opioid Analgesic. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain whereas anti-inflammatory analgesics are used to decrease pain along with swellings.

Why is it advised not to take sleeping pills with Methadone or other Analgesics?

As it is mentioned above sleepiness is one of the side effects of Methadone, taking sleeping pills can make you sleep up to many hours. So it is advised not to take sleeping pills with Analgesics.