Methadone is a synthetic narcotic pain reliever with opioid properties.? It’s medically relevant as an analgesic, antitussive and is also a part of primary treatment for drug addiction and maintenance programs. This drug was originally developed by scientists in Germany in 1937 as an opiate-based painkiller. It drug is different from other opioids such as morphine and heroin in its chemical constitution but has similar effects as it also acts on the opioid receptors. This drug has long lasting effect and thus it is used to manage chronic pain. Added to that, it is also available at a reasonable rate making it highly popular among doctors and patients.During drug addiction therapy, this drug is also known to reduce withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin and other narcotic drug without having the same effects that is found in drug addiction. Action of methadone on pain
This drug binds to the opioid receptor and produces analgesia. These receptors are bound to endogenous opioid compounds and are classified as mu, kappa and delta. This medicine occupies the mu receptor which is located peripherally (on the outer side) on the sensory nerves and immune cells and on the central side in the spinal cord and brainstem. This drug is prescribed for severe cancer pain, post operative pain and other forms of severs body pains. This drug can successfully treat both local and generalized pain and is recommended by the WHO in limited dosage . This drug is contraindicated in the below mentioned cases.
This drug binds to the opioid receptor and produces analgesia. These receptors are bound to endogenous opioid compounds and are classified as mu, kappa and delta. This medicine occupies the mu receptor which is located peripherally (on the outer side) on the sensory nerves and immune cells and on the central side in the spinal cord and brainstem. This drug is prescribed for severe cancer pain, post operative pain and other forms of severs body pains. This drug can successfully treat both local and generalized pain and is recommended by the WHO in limited dosage . This drug is contraindicated in the below mentioned cases.
- Respirator disorders like asthma, COPD or sleep apnea (snoring)
- hypothyroidism
- abnormal curvature of the spine
- a history of head injury or brain tumor
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder
- gallbladder disease
- Addison’s disease or other adrenal gland disorders
- enlarged prostate, urination problems;
- mental illness
- low blood pressure
- History of drug or alcohol addiction.
- liver or kidney disease
Side effects
- Prolonged use of this drug can cause addiction that is far more serious than other opioits as it takes more than 6- 5 weeks for recovery while the others may take a week to ten days. Withdrawal symptoms include severe muscle and bone pain, respiratory disorders, nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, involuntary twitching and kicking, intestinal spasms, depression, anxiety, mood swings, hallucinations along with suicidal thoughts.
- Overdose of this drug can slow the breathing to such an extent that it can lead to death.
- Combining this drug with alcohol can have serious side effects and may even cause death. It can impair a persons thinking or reactions
Usage
It’s important to have the same amount of dose as prescribed by the physician and only for the given time. Over dosing and prolonged usage can have severe side effects. It’s also advised not to stop taking this drug suddenly as even that can have adverse effects.