2. Opioids
Opioids are medications that relieve pain
Reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the
brain and affect those brain areas controlling
emotion, which diminished the effects of a painful
stimulus
Medications include
hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin,
Percocet), morphine (Kadian, Avinza), codeine, and
others
3. Opioid Effects
Acute Effects
euphoria; drowsiness; impaired coordination;
dizziness; confusion; nausea; sedation; feeling of
heaviness in the body; slowed or arrested breathing
Health Risks
constipation; endocarditis; hepatitis; HIV; addiction;
fatal overdose
4. Methadone Uses
Used to relieve moderate to sever pain that has not
been relieved by non-narcotic pain relievers
Is an opioid analgesic
Prevent withdrawal symptoms in patients who
were addicted to opiate drugs and are enrolled in
treatment programs in order to stop taking or
continue not taking the drugs
Methadone is the synthetic opioid
Meaning, it works the same way an opioid does but is
man made
5. Methadone Side Effects
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do
not go away:
Drowsiness
Stomach pain
Mood changes
Weakness
Dry mouth
Vision problems
Headache
Sweating
Nausea
Flushing
Difficulty falling
asleep or staying
asleep
Vomiting
Difficulty
urinating
Constipation
Decreased sexual
desire or ability
Swelling of the
hands, arms,
feet, and legs
Missed menstrual
periods
Loss of appetite
Weight gain
6. Methadone Clinics
There are methadone clinics throughout the United
States
Patients can get methadone treatments to help with
withdrawal symptoms
Effective treatment incorporates daily methadone
medication in conjunction with behavioral health
counseling
7. Benefits of Methadone
Methadone is a legal medication that is prescribed
by a physician and is carefully monitored
Administered orally
Given in stable daily dosing to avoid producing a
drug high
Slow acting drug and provides long lasting relief (24
hours or more)
Administered by a clinic that provides ongoing
counseling and support
Access to medical and social services
8. Risks and Considerations
Like most ay opioid medications, overdose can occur if the
medication is not taken as prescribed
Methadone is utilized as a safe opiate replacement in the
treatment of opioid dependency. However, abruptly ceasing
methadone will typically elicit uncomfortable withdrawal
symptoms. These can be avoided by following a gradual taper
off of the medication while under the supervision of your
physician.
Methadone replacement therapy is typically not short-term.
Many clients will remain on methadone for a year or more
before becoming ready to taper off of the medication. Some
clients may remain on methadone for an indefinite period of
time.
