Methadone Treatment
Methadone (Symoron, Dolophine, Amidone, Methadose, Physeptone, Heptadon and many others) is a synthetic opioid, used medically as an analgesic, antitussive and a maintenance anti-addictive for use in patients on opioids.
Although chemically unlike morphine or heroin, methadone also acts on the opioid receptors and thus produces many of the same effects. Methadone is also used in managing chronic pain owing to its long duration of action and very low cost. In late 2004, the cost of a one-month supply of methadone was $120, as compared to an equivalent analgesic amount of meperidine (pethidine) at $240, up to $500 and more for hydromorphone, morphine, fentanyl, Vicodin (brand name Hydrocodone w/ Acetaminophen) and extended-release oxycodone.
Methadone’s usefulness in treatment of opioid dependence is the result of several factors. It has cross-tolerance with other opioids including heroin and morphine and a long duration of effect, with the result that oral dosing with methadone will stabilise the patient by stopping the opioid withdrawal syndrome. Secondly, it’s also possible to block the euphoric effects of heroin, morphine, and similar drugs but only in higher doses (60-80 mg+). As a result, properly dosed methadone patients can reduce or stop altogether their use of these substances.
Methadone is approved only for the treatment of opioid dependence. It is not intended to reduce the use of non-narcotic drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or alcohol.
