methadone

Methadone belongs to a group of strong painkillers drugs called opioids. They include codeine, morphine and heroin.v

Methadone comes in pill form and in ampoules but is dispensed in a syrup to stop consumers from intravenous use. Consumers debate this and the complications that are said to occur.

In some situations take-away doses are also available. In New Zealand, methadone is legal within a treatment programme and available under gazetted GP(doctor) care. Generally a person has to be over 18 years of age and can only go on a methadone treatment programme after being assessed by a doctor, or AOD psychiatrist or specialist who is an approved methadone prescriber. Usually people pick up their daily dose at a clinic or pharmacy.

There are a number of reasons why methadone is preferable to being dependent on heroin.

First, methadone is swallowed. This reduces the risk of hepatitis B or C or HIV when sharing or using dirty injecting equipment.
Second, methadone is dispensed in a clinical environment so there is no risk of it being impure.
Third, the effects of methadone peak after 3 to 4 hours but has a half life of up to 36 hours when the dose is right. This means a person only needs 1 dose a day to control withdrawal.

These factors help stabilise a person’s lifestyle by reducing the stress and anxiety of getting heroin.

A person has a sense of life returning to some sense of normality.
A person on methadone is more likely to hold down a job.
Methadone is cheaper than heroin and the extra money can further improve the health and lifestyle of a person.
Criminal activities to buy illegal drugs are also reduced.

Effects

The effects of methadone are similar to heroin, they can include:

relief from pain
feeling of well being
nausea
vomiting
pupils of the eye become smaller
body temperature drops
blood pressure and pulse slow down

Methadone may also affect a person’s ability to drive a car or operate heavy machinery. Consumers would debate this due to factual information of people on the right dosage leading normal lives.

Long term effects of methadone include increased sweating and constipation. Both men and women may experience sexual problems and a woman’s menstrual cycle may be disrupted.

Most of these effects will disappear with dose adjustments and as the person’s lifestyle improves.

Other Effects

Stopping methadone abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Usually they begin one to three days after the last dose. They will include:

uneasiness
yawning
diarrhea
stomach cramps
runny nose
sleeping difficulties
joint pain

These symptoms may last for a few weeks and then start to dissapate but it will still take at least three months to feel comfortable again. Night sweats can continue for up to five months.

Overdose can happen when more than the prescribed dose is taken, when methadone is injected or when methadone is taken with other drugs such as alcohol or minor tranquillisers.

In New Zealand, methadone is classified as a prohibited drug. Methadone is a Class B drug. The maximum penalty for importation/ manufacture/supply is 14 years imprisonment and for possession 3 months jail and/or a $500 fine.