Get the Facts About Methadone

What is Methadone?
Methadone a synthetic narcotic that is being widely used in the detoxification of heroine and other opiate addicted persons. It has been used for this purpose for more than thirty years. The origional use for methadone was for pain management. It is a very effective medication for pain and should be taken only under a doctors care.

Is it safe?
Methadone has been very well tested and is deemed a safe treatment for people with opiate addiction or who are going through opiate withdrawals. There are no adverse effects on the mental capability, intelligence or ability to remain employed in a person on methadone. When taken under a doctors care there are also no adverse effects on the heart, lungs, liver or any other vital organs. You do not get a euphoric high from methadone so it has no effect on the patients cognitive skills. A persons rational thinking and decision making abilities are not effected by this drug. Methadone does have minimal side effects which usually disipate as the patient builds a tolerance to the medication and stabilizes on their dose. These side effects include: constipation, drowsiness, water retention, skin rash and a lowered sex drive. These side effects are normal and as I've said they do stop over time. Also, the side effects of methadone are nothing compared to the side effects of illegal drugs. Some of these side effects are: altered cognitive ability, severe respiritory distress and even death!

Who is a candidate for Methadone treatment? Who is not?
Any person who has a dependency on heroine, morphine or any other opioid drug such as: hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxycontin, dilaudid, etc. would be a candidate for methadone treatment. These drugs are highly addictive and the withdrawals are often times severe. Pregnant women with these addictions may also be treated with methadone.