Narcotic Abstinence Syndrome

Methadone is a medication known as very effective and powerful. It is a narcotic that belongs to the same family of opioids such as heroin. Methadone is a long-acting medication to relieve pain. It is an effective opioid analgesic for severe pain. Because of its low cost and apparent efficacy in complex pain syndromes, it is increasingly used as a first line opioid. It is a good medicine against pain for people suffering from chronic pain and to help drug addicts get through life without having to spend their lives trying to keep a steady supply of heroin around or nearby, just pass a physical day.

Methadone is a medication indicated to be well tested is safe and effective for the treatment of narcotic withdrawal and dependence. For over 30 years this synthetic narcotic has been used to treat addiction to opioids. Heroin releases an excess of dopamine in the body and causes users to need an opiate continuously occupying that opioid receptors in the brain. Methadone occupies this receptor and is the stabilizing factor that allows addicts to quit their addiction.
Methadone should be prescribed for patients with moderate to severe pain when their pain is not improved with other non-narcotic analgesics. Relieving pain of a dose of methadone lasts about 4-8 hours. However, methadone stays in the body much longer. It can last from 8-59 hours after taking it. As a result, patients may feel they need more pain relief before methadone is increased from the body. Methadone can accumulate in the body to toxic levels if taken too often, if the amount taken is too high, or if taken with certain other medications or supplements.

Normal results after the administration of methadone to treat chronic pain include reducing the patient's pain, at least at the point where the pain is bearable. On the other hand, the results of methadone treatment to control heroin addiction, is that the patient reduces heroin use almost immediately after methadone treatment started. This is usually followed by complete abstinence, usually within two weeks after starting treatment.

Like any substance, there is a risk of abuse. When used as intended and under the care of a physician, research and clinical studies suggest that long-term use of Metahdone is medically safe. When methadone is taken under medical supervision, the long-term maintenance causes no adverse effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, blood, brain or other organs of the body vital. Methadone for pain relief does not produce serious side effects, although some patients experience minor symptoms such as constipation, water retention, drowsiness, rash, excessive sweating and changes in libido. Once the dose of methadone is adjusted and stabilized or increased tolerance, these symptoms usually disappear.