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.