Methadone is a synthetic opioid drug with effects that can treat chronic pain and narcotic-based addiction, as well as other medical conditions. Methadone binds to opiate receptors in the brain and has effects similar to those of morphine and heroin. Side effects of methadone may include sedation, constipation, confusion, dry mouth, itching, nausea, perspiration, flushing and slowed respiration.
Analgesic
Methadone is an important drug in the treatment of chronic pain because it lasts longer, is slower to build a tolerance, is effective at lower doses and may be less sedating than other narcotic medications. It also costs less. A 2005 article in about the treatment of chronic pain published in "American Family Physician" states that methadone may need to be administered twice or three times a day at first, as the analgesic effects wear off in 3 to 6 hours. With repeated dosing and accumulation of the drug in the body, pain control extends to 8 to 12 hours. The complexity of prescribing methadone is the subject of a Public Health Advisory issued by the Federal Drug Administration in 2006. Respiratory failure and irregular heartbeat are potentially fatal complications associated with methadone use, either because patients take additional doses before the medication has time to take effect or in combination with other medications, such as tranquilizers, that slow the metabolism of methadone.
Anti-Addictive
Addicts hooked on heroin and other narcotics can be stabilized on methadone, with advantages over illicit drug use. Methadone is given orally, eliminating blood-borne disease transmission and criminal activity associated with IV drug use. Methadone can reduce cravings and block the euphoric effects of other narcotics and is less likely to produce a "high," even when injected. Participants in maintenance programs may be able to benefit from therapy, hold a job and be responsible parents. Methadone's withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other narcotics but are delayed due to the drug's long half-life. Once-daily dosing is adequate for addiction maintenance. The duration of treatment is generally open-ended, however, a Swedish study of the first 38 methadone maintenance patients in Stockholm showed that those who were weaned off the drug, either successfully or unsuccessfully, had an improved quality of life 15 years later compared to subjects who never attempted weaning. The findings were published in the July 2010 "Nordic Journal of Psychiatry."
Anti-Tussive
Methadone has effects similar to codeine and dextromethorphan in that it is an effective treatment for dry, unproductive coughing that results in pain or sleeplessness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that methadone was marketed as a cough suppressant long before it was approved for narcotic maintenance treatment. Those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are most likely to benefit from the anti-tussive effects of methadone.
Anti-Cancer
Methadone has properties that fight leukemia, according to findings by German researchers published in the August 2008 issue of "Cancer Research". In this study, methadone destroyed abnormal cells and inhibited the proliferation of cancer in the blood in ways that did not harm normal cells. The treatment was found to work against some types of leukemia that are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation.
References
- "American Family Physician," Methadone Treatment for Pain States, Toombs JD, et. al., April 1, 2005, 71(7)
- FDA: Public Health Advisory Nov. 27, 2006
- "Nordic Journal of Psychiatry," The First 38 Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients in Stockholm: 15-year Follow-up With a Main Focus on Detoxification From Methadone, Hiltunen AJ, et. al., July 2010
- CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases: Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Enable Use of Needed Products in Civilian and Military Emergencies, United States
- "Cancer Research," Methadone, Commonly Used as Maintenance Medication for Outpatient Treatment of Opioid Dependence, Kills Leukemia Cells and Overcomes Chemoresistance, Friesen C, et. al., Aug. 1, 2008, 68(15)
