What is Methadone?

Methadone; It is part of a category called opioids (morphine-influenced chemicals). II. It was discovered by German doctors during World War II and when it came to the United States, it was used to treat people with extreme pain. Nowadays, it can be used as a part of treatment in the treatment of heroin addiction to minimize the feeling of withdrawal and in the treatment of painful patients who cannot tolerate morphine.

Its effect is seen as fast as in morphine. It can be taken as a tablet, powder or liquid. People who use it maliciously; They can be addictive by frequent injection. Methadone; Although safer than some other narcotic substances, it must be administered by a prescription from a qualified physician. It should not be forgotten that; Whether methadone is for treatment or abuse; it is definitely an addictive chemical.

What Does Methadone Do?

Effects on Short Term Use

Restlessness, nausea or vomiting, slow breathing, skin itching, sweating, constipation, sexual problems. Some side effects can be more serious. difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, hives or rash on the skin, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face, chest pain or rapid heartbeat, hallucinations. If these effects are observed, it is necessary to consult the doctor who undertakes the treatment urgently.

Methadone changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain so that relief is felt. Its effects are milder than other powerful pain relievers such as morphine. It blocks the high levels from drugs such as codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone.

For those who suffer too much from an injury, surgery, or chronic illness, or who cannot tolerate morphine, a doctor may administer methadone. It is also used as an aid in the treatment of addiction to other opioids. It can create a situation and withdrawal symptoms similar to the feelings of using the addictive substance. Methadone replaces opioids in the nervous system with milder effects. So it is used in replacement therapy. It is often used as part of an ongoing treatment plan. It is not a 100% addictive cure. Because it is addictive itself.

While a specific time to treat an addiction cannot be specified, experts say it should be at least a year and maybe more than that. The doctor will watch the body’s reaction carefully and adjust the treatment. When it is time to discontinue methadone treatment, the doses should be tapered.

Effects on Long Term Use

Methadone; If used for a long time, it may cause lung and respiratory problems. It can also change a woman’s menstrual cycle. It may cause complications with pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor about changing the dose.

Situations in which Methadone Use Poses a Risk

Those who are in the risk group in the application of methadone treatment; Those with heart disease, those with rhythm disorders, those with respiratory problems or lung disease, those with head trauma, a history of brain tumor or seizures, those with liver or kidney disease, those with urinary problems, those with gall bladder, pancreas or thyroid problems,

Medications that may interact with methadone

Other narcotic drugs, depression medications, drugs that alter serotonin levels

Symptoms in Addiction to Methadone

Your brain; With the pain relief brought by this drug, you can request this substance again and become addicted. While the effects may be milder than other opioids, your body can adapt to it. This means that you will need to take more to feel the same relief from pain or withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to abuse and addiction.

Methadone doses in different people will not produce the same result. The doctor calculates the correct dose for the individual. Changing the dose is dangerous and can lead to overdoses.

What Are the Symptoms of Overdose?

Slow breathing, slow heartbeat, severe drowsiness, weakness of muscles, cold skin, fainting or even overdose can be fatal. Methadone use should definitely be done under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

Europe and the US also used for many years Methadone (replacement therapy) was introduced in Turkey in 2004 and published in the official gazette in effect. Methadone, which was used by German Charite Hospital scientists to relieve pain in patients with brain tumors in 2017; The results of their study about increasing the effects of cancer drugs were announced. With this explanation, studies in this direction have intensified in the light of the studies that support the applicability of Methadone with chemotherapy. In addition to the pain relieving properties of methadone, it would extend the life span of the patient, be cheaper compared to other cancer drugs, and be applicable with chemotherapy, making this drug attractive compared to the exchangers. However, it is emphasized that it is not used unconsciously and uncontrolled due to the insufficient scientific data on whether the positive results obtained during the treatment process have a one-to-one connection with Methandon.