Methadone is a synthetic opiate used as treatment for opiate dependence, most commonly heroin. Methadone reduces the cravings associated with heroin use and blocks the high from heroin, but it does not provide the euphoric rush.
Consequently, methadone patients do not experience the extreme highs and lows that typically result from heroin use. The effects of methadone last longer than heroin, and a daily dose is normally taken in orange juice or as a syrup.
Benefits of methadone
As a ‘maintenance’ treatment, methadone allows someone to make changes to their lives without worrying about getting their next hit. The health risks of overdose, blood borne viruses and vein problems are largely avoided by the proper use of methadone and ceasing other drug use. Taken correctly, there is no high from methadone that could make driving, working or daily activities dangerous.
Possible side-effects of methadone
Possible side effects may include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, lower sex drive, tooth decay and constipation. If a dose of methadone is too low, there may be signs of withdrawal symptoms such as cramps, tremors, nausea, diarrhoea, aches, sweating, insomnia and weakness.
It should be stressed that everyone will have different side effects from methadone. Click here to read about personal experiences.
Withdrawals from methadone take much longer than those from heroin and going 'cold turkey' is not recommended. Doses can be tapered off slowly or buprenorphine can be used to speed up the withdrawal process.
Methadone treatment
It should be stressed that in maintenance treatment, a person is still physically dependent on methadone, but no longer needs or will benefit from heroin use. A person can stay on methadone for years, or may choose to gradually reduce their dose over time.
Methadone can also be used over one to two weeks to reduce the withdrawal
symptoms of ceasing heroin or morphine use.
Treatment is encouraged for pregnant women as methadone has less implications
than heroin for the baby.
Problems with other drugs
Deaths from methadone treatment are rare and are usually the result of using other drugs while on methadone. Methadone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and the greatest risk comes from using other CNS depressants like alcohol and benzodiazepines (ie. Valium, Serapax and Rohypnol).
Injecting methadone
Injection of methadone poses serious health risks and possible overdose. For those who insist on injecting their dose, there are harm reduction strategies available.
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