Pubdate: Mon, 01 Sep 2008
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Section: Arts & Life
Copyright: 2008 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Dr. Andrew Weil, Special to the Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

METHADONE IN CORRECT DOSE A SAFE, EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR ADDICTS

Q: Do you think methadone is safe for staying off of heroin or other 
narcotics? I have a friend who has been on it for a long time, has 
never gone back to using street drugs and has been successful in 
staying off all other drugs.

A: Methadone is a synthetic narcotic that has been used for more than 
30 years as a treatment for heroin addiction. It works by 
"pre-empting" the effects of heroin, blocking its euphoric qualities 
while eliminating withdrawal symptoms and relieving the craving for 
the drug. Methadone works only for those addicted to heroin or other 
opiates -- it won't help those hooked on cocaine or other drugs.

Over time, long-term use of methadone has proven more effective than 
short-term use. (Once they complete a short-course of methadone, 
addicts tend to go back to heroin.) Although your friend is now 
addicted to methadone, long-term use of this drug is relatively safe, 
with no serious or long-term adverse side effects to the heart, 
lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, blood, brain or other vital organs. 
However, in November 2006, the FDA warned of serious, potentially 
fatal, side effects when methadone is taken too often, in too high 
doses or with certain other medications or supplements. Among those 
side effects: difficulty breathing; extreme drowsiness; fast, slow, 
pounding or irregular heartbeat; faintness; severe dizziness; or 
confusion. These dangers tend to occur among patients new to 
methadone treatment.

Taken in the correct doses, as instructed, the side effects of 
methadone are relatively minor and don't occur in everyone -- these 
include constipation, water retention, drowsiness, skin rash, 
excessive sweating and changes in libido. The symptoms usually 
disappear once the dosage is adjusted and stabilized or tolerance for 
the drug increases. Methadone does not impair cognitive functions and 
has no adverse effects on mental capability, intelligence or the 
ability to hold a job. It isn't sedating or intoxicating and doesn't 
interfere with the ability to drive a car or operate machinery.

Withdrawing from methadone, if desired, should be supervised by a 
physician who probably will reduce the dose gradually. Those who stop 
taking the drug suddenly may experience withdrawal symptoms as 
unpleasant as withdrawal from heroin. If your friend is doing well on 
methadone maintenance, he or she probably can safely continue on it. 
It would be great to get off opiates entirely, but if the potential 
result is going back to heroin, methadone maintenance is certainly better.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom