Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) used for substance use
disorders (SUD) and dependence has a high success rate. Depending on the
patient's condition, body type and the extent of misuse, doctors suggest the
use of methadone, naltrexone or buprenorphine. Methadone-assisted treatment,
also known as substitution therapy, can help control cravings and manage
withdrawal symptoms. When used under medical supervision and as an adjunct to
therapy, treatment with methadone is considered safe. As it is a full opioid
agonist, people who are on methadone are not likely to get high with other
drugs of choice.
Unfortunately, methadone treatment is not as foolproof. While
there are obvious advantages, the drug is extremely toxic to the liver and
slows down the functioning of the respiratory system. Exercising restraint and
caution while administering dosage is vital.
Here are some of the side effects of a carelessly followed
treatment:
Increased
toxicity: The half-life of drugs is an important determinant in
finding how long it would stay in a person's body. In case the drug is given
before it is completely eliminated, there are possibilities of increased
toxicity. The half-life of methadone in opioid-tolerant patients is 24 hours
and in people who have never been on an opioid before is 55 hours. This means
that it takes 24 hours before the toxins can be completely eliminated from the
system. According to Dr Modesto-Lowe, a psychiatrist in Middletown,
Connecticut, when it comes to treating opioid abuse with MMT, "start low,
go slow" policy is ideal. "Remember the rule of thumb is that half of
yesterday's dose is still circulating in the plasma."
Respiratory
depression: Respiratory depression could lead to a fatal condition known
as respiratory arrest. It is characterized by laboured breathing, tiredness,
sleepiness even during daytime, and depression. Physical symptoms include
bluish lips and increased disorientation. Too much of methadone can stop
breathing and cause death.
Methadone
addiction: As methadone is considered to be one of the best
alternatives in treating heroin abuse, it's hard to understand that it can
cause addiction too. Designated as a Schedule II drug, people who use methadone
to overcome heroin addiction are more likely to get addicted to it.
Adverse
reaction with other drugs: Methadone is a depressant and slows down breathing,
therefore, combining it with any drug that has similar effects could be harmful
whether it is common benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium. It is also
necessary to avoid alcohol and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs while on a
methadone treatment plan. One should check with his or her doctor or a
healthcare provider before taking any drug along with methadone.
Though most people are tolerant to methadone, there are
certain conditions which make it risky to continue methadone treatment. These
are:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). This includes conditions such as sleep apnea, asthma and chronic bronchitis where the drug can adversely affect breathing patterns.
- People with low potassium and magnesium levels are not viable recipients of this treatment.
- Methadone could be unsafe for patients with prior head injuries, or heart, liver, lungs, kidneys or prostate problems.
- Follow-up care is important. It is necessary for the family to report any instance of self-use, side effects, or complications in time.
Before continuing any medical treatment, it is essential to
disclose details of any medical condition that a person may have. Though
methadone is a potent medication and has proved to be a saviour for many who
have been struggling for long with heroin or opioid addiction, it is essential
to take the medication responsibly and only under medical supervision.
