Methadone is the most widely-used opioid addiction medication in the world and has been used successfully for more than 50 years. It is a safe and effective medication for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) when used as part of a comprehensive Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) recovery program. Chemically, it is a long-acting opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain without producing the euphoric effect in opioid-dependent people. It works to blunt cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on behavioral health therapies and counseling to break the grip of addiction. It is most commonly dispensed in addiction outpatient settings as a liquid concentrate known as Methadose.
Methadone Is Safe and Effective
Methadone is safe and effective when used as directed. The medicine is prescribed only after a thorough physical examination and evaluation by a qualified health professional. Caregivers need to know a patient’s health history and if the patient is taking any other medications. Dosage is tailored to individual patients and occasionally adjusted over the course of treatment.
Methadone is always dispensed under medical supervision at one of our outpatient treatment centers. After a stable period of progress and compliance, clients may be able to take the medicine at home between clinical visits.
The duration of methadone treatment Florida varies from person to person. Treatment should last at least 12 months. Many patients need longer treatment. Discontinuation of the medicine must be medically supervised and gradual, with careful tapering to avoid withdrawal.
It’s important to take methadone at the time and dosage prescribed. Never take an extra dose, even if you don’t feel the effects right away. Taking more than the prescribed dosage can lead to an overdose. If you think you may have taken too much, you should immediately seek medical assistance. You need to store this medication at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. As with all medications, make sure your prescription is not accessible to children or pets. Do not drink alcohol or drive after taking your prescription. And never share your medication.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can safely take prescription methadone but should include prenatal care as part of their maintenance program.
Possible Side Effects
As with all medication, some patients experience unintended effects. Most side effects are common to most prescription medicines and are not life-threatening.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these include:
- Restlessness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slow breathing
- Itchy skin
- Heavy sweating
- Constipation
- Sexual problems
Other side effects are more serious, and may indicate an emergency. If experiencing any of these, patients should stop taking the medicine and immediately seek medical attention.
Serious side effects include:
- Difficult or shallow breathing
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- An allergic reaction such as hives or a rash; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Chest pain
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Hallucinations or confusion
Florida Treatment Services is a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program offering low-cost onsite medication dispensation at convenient locations throughout Central Florida with no wait times and a friendly, experienced, professional staff. Call 407-783-6273 today.