Directory Submission
WL Marketing - Your #1 link building service

Free Articles » Health » Medicine » Using Methadone To Reduce The Withdrawal Symptoms In Heroin Addicts

Using Methadone To Reduce The Withdrawal Symptoms In Heroin Addicts


Autor: ebookpalace :: Views: 44 :: :: View PDF :: Print View

Social Bookmarking

As a narcotic analgesic, Methadone is a synthetic pain reliever used to treat various conditions and relieve pain, as well as treating the addiction of heroin in users. Methadone is comparable to the characteristics and effects of morphine; in fact, it is extremely similar in the way it acts, as well. The major difference is that Methadone is introduced gradually and its action is mild upon onset. This prevents the patient from feeling euphoric or high when taking the medication.

The dosage will be determined based on various aspects including their tolerance level and their weight. For example, as the patient's cravings for heroin decreases the dosage of Methadone is decreased as well. However, even though Methadone is used to treat addictions, some addicts choose to use the drug as a way to get their fix. As a result, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has defined Methadone as a Schedule II drug.

There are three forms of Methadone, injection, tablets, and oral solutions. It is made with the active ingredient called Methadone hydrochloride. Dosage is set again by weight and addiction to heroin, however, no person should exceed the maximum daily recommendation of 100 milligrams. The drug is used to curb the effects of withdrawal symptoms that occur when a user quits using heroin.

There are several side effects that can come with using Methadone. It is important that your physician monitors the use of Methadone closely and that any changes be reported immediately to him or her for evaluation. Some short-term side effects of this drug could include vomiting, restlessness, slowed breathing, nausea, pupil contraction, itchy skin, constipation, severe sweating, sexual dysfunction, and even death.

Methadone could also have long-term use side effects that include respiration or lung problems. Women could also have specific side effects that may lead to lapsing menstrual cycles or changes. Furthermore, women could experience complications in pregnancy if the dosage levels are reduced while the woman is pregnant.

In general, the risks of these side effects can be reduced by keeping in close contact with a physician and having them monitor the use. Illegal uses of Methadone have been identified as causes for death among abusers. Because people have no real idea of the effects of Methadone, overdosing by abusers is on the rise. If not carefully monitored by a physician a Methadone patient could become addicted to the drug, which would lead to tolerance and addiction. This would all subsequently lead to withdrawal symptoms when the dose is decreased or stopped. Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor, while taking Methadone and report any changes immediately.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Methadone.

Source: Free Articles

Other Interesting Articles
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Investments
Tips for Choosing High Performance Mutual Fund
Tips for Choosing The Best Stock Broker
ETF Advantages and Disadvantages
Free Slot Machine Games on the Web
BMW Pros and Cons
Six Little Spending Mistakes That Can Cost You Financial Freedom
Want to Live Debt Free? Free Tips That Will Help
Social Bookmarking

About the Author

Copyright ? 2006, Heather Colman. Find more Methadone resources at: http://www.methadone-journal.info and http://www.ebookpalace.com

Comments

No comments posted.
Add Comment

Enter the code shown

Visual CAPTCHA