WARNING: Methadone has caused very serious (possibly fatal) breathing and heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, torsades de pointes). These problems are more likely to occur when this medication is first started or when the dose is increased. Breathing problems may occur a while after you take your dose (for example, more than 8 hours later). Carefully follow your doctor's directions on how to take the medication. Even if this medication is not working well, do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed without first consulting your doctor. It may sometimes take 3 to 5 days before you get the full benefit of pain relief from this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of breathing and heart rhythm problems, such as slow/shallow breathing, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
USES: This medication is used to treat addiction to narcotic drugs (such as heroin) as part of an approved treatment program. Methadone is a narcotic (opiate-type) medication. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping other opiate-type narcotics.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat moderate to severe pain.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet that may be provided by your pharmacist before you start using methadone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, it may help to take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as taking antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).Do not chew or swallow the tablets. Before each dose, dissolve the tablet into 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of water or an acidic fruit beverage (such as orange juice or any citrus drink) for at least 1 minute. Drink all of the mixture immediately. Do not prepare a supply in advance. If there is any medication left over in the cup, add a small amount of liquid, and then drink all of the mixture. If you have any questions on how to take this medication correctly, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not inject this medication.If you are taking this medication for pain, remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, watery eyes, widened pupils, sweating, runny nose) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
Drugs commonly abused by teens include tobacco products, marijuana, cold medications, inhalants, depressants, stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens, PCP, ketamine, Ecstasy, and anabolic steroids. Some of the symptoms and warning signs of teen drug abuse include reddened whites of eyes, paranoia, sleepiness, excessive happiness, seizures, memory loss, increased appetite, discolored fingertips, lips or teeth, and irritability. Treatment of drug addiction may involve a combination of medication, individual, and familial interventions.
You know it at once. It may be the fiery sensation of a burn moments after your finger touches the stove. Or it's a dull ache above your brow after a day of stress and tension. Or you may recognize it as a sharp pierce in your back after you lift something heavy.
It is pain. In its most benign form, it warns us that something isn't quite right, that we should take medicine or see a doctor. At its worst, however, pain robs us of our productivity, our well-being, and, for many of us suffering from extended illness, our very lives. Pain is a complex perception that differs enormously among individual patients, even those who appear to have identical injuries or illnesses.
In 1931, the French medical missionary Dr. Albert Schweitzer wrote, "Pain is a more terrible lord of mankind than even death itself." Today, pain has become the universal disorder, a serious and costly public health issue, and a challenge for famil...
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