How does methadone work?

Answer 1

Methadone treatment works for heroin addicts, but also for chronic pain and any other signs of addictions ************I have been on methadone for 5 years. Here is how it went for me: I finally told my MD I was addicted to hydrocodone (Vicodin or Lorcet). I said I didn't think I could quit cold turkey on my own, and wanted to find out more about methadone. My doc referred me to a nearby methadone clinic. I had an appt with an intake counsellor. I found out all about the program, what the fees were, rules, etc., and had the opportunity to ask questions. I went to have a physical as was part of the program. I came back next for the actual dosing of the methadone. They started me on 20mg, and every couple days went up. I ultimately stopped at 75mg, which is where I have stayed all these years. It took me several months of following the rules and going to counselling to get take out privileges, and after a year clean, I only had to go to the clinic every 2 weeks to pick up my meds. The clinic in NC only charged me $224 a month. When we moved to Maine, that figure rose uncomfortably to $340. So costs vary greatly. I have done well on methadone, I don't crave opiates, I don't have any withdrawal. I feel good, my moods are good. I feel how I would think "normal" would be for someone not experiencing depression or opiate addiction.

Answer 2

Methadone works by alleviating the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. A stable and sufficient blood level of methadone stems the chronic craving for opioids. Since methadone is a much longer acting drug than some other opioids, such as heroin, one oral dose daily prevents the onset of opioid withdrawal symptoms--including anxiety, restlessness, runny nose, tearing, nausea and vomiting--for 24 hours or longer.

Methadone diminishes the euphoric effects of other opioids (cross tolerance), without necessarily causing euphoria, sedation or analgesia.9 This means, self-administered illicit opioids will not lead to euphoria, making it less likely that clients/patients will either use illicit opioids or overdose.

People receiving methadone maintenance treatment take methadone orally--often it is mixed into an orange drink. This decreases the need to inject other opioids and reduces the health risks associated with injection drug use.

Tolerance to the effects of methadone develops very slowly, allowing many people who are dependent on opioids to be maintained on methadone safely for many years.

When appropriately prescribed and dispensed, methadone is considered a medically safe medication.

Answer 3

Typically, you take it as prescribed. It usually comes in pill form, but also comes as an oral liquid solution. If you're asking about abusing methadone, well that kind of defeats the purpose (Methadone is an old prescribed synthetic opiate for opiate-dependency). I have heard of people using the pills for IV, intranasal (crush em up n snort em), and taken rectally.

Answer 4

Methadone is used to treat opiate addiction and in some cases, it is used for pain management.