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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
What Is Methadone?Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that’s regularly used as a maintenance treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs) and as an opioid withdrawal medication.1,2 Like other opioids, methadone works by activating opioid receptors in the brain. But due to its more gradual impact on these receptors, methadone effects typically don’t include the same euphoria associated with other opioids.3 Proper use of methadone can also blunt the effects of illicit opioids, reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal, and assist those with an opioid use disorder in achieving and sustaining recovery.1,2 While various generic forms of methadone are available, Methadose is a common brand name for the substance.4 Methadone is a schedule II controlled substance and its therapeutic use is tightly regulated. For use in treating opioid use disorders, methadone is only dispensed via special programs certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).2 Benefits of Methadone as a Treatment DrugThe most studied opioid use disorder medication available today, methadone can help people stop or decrease illicit opioid use and improve their health and functioning. Studies also show that methadone can minimize the risk of opioid overdose death and retain people in treatment better than treatment with a placebo or no medication.1 In addition, methadone can not only minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms but also act as a maintenance treatment to help people function more normally and maintain responsibilities related to school, work, families, and more. In effect, the substance can help people to participate in other forms of treatment and recovery support, which in turn can help them better cope with their OUD and maintain long-term recovery.5Side Effects of Methadone Almost all medications have possible side effects. Methadone side effects include:2Nausea, vomiting.Slowed breathing.Restlessness. Itchy skin.Heavy sweating.Constipation.Sexual dysfunction.A handful of more severe methadone side effects on the body include:2Difficult or shallow breathing.Lightheadedness.Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat. Hallucinations or confusion.Long Term Side EffectsHow long can you be on methadone, and are there long term effects of methadone? Under medical supervision and when taken as prescribed for the treatment of OUD, methadone is safe to use as long as it’s beneficial, be it for months, years, or indefinitely.6 In fact, SAMHSA guidance indicates that OUD medication can be continued in stable patients for as long as it is beneficial to them.1Due to its pharmacological effects, methadone has the potential for certain health effects, even when used therapeutically. Certain risks
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