Quote:
Originally Posted by BTFLCHLD
Just so we are all clear on the medicinal purposes of methodone...it isn't just for "addicts" anymore.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050401/1353.html
Methadone is a synthetic opioid with potent analgesic effects. Although it is associated commonly with the treatment of opioid addiction, it may be prescribed by licensed family physicians for analgesia. Methadone's unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics make it a valuable option in the management of cancer pain and other chronic pain, including neuropathic pain states. It may be an appropriate replacement for opioids when side effects have limited further dosage escalation. Metabolism of and response to methadone varies with each patient. Transition to methadone and dosage titration should be completed slowly and with frequent monitoring. Conversion should be based on the current daily oral morphine equivalent dosage. After starting methadone therapy or increasing the dosage, systemic toxicity may not become apparent for several days. Some medications alter the absorption or metabolism of methadone, and their concurrent use may require dosing adjustments. Methadone is less expensive than other sustained-release opioid formulations. (Am Fam Physician 2005;71:1353-8. Copyright© 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians.)
Methadone is a synthetic opioid. Although structurally dissimilar to morphine (MS Contin), methadone has significant analgesic qualities. Because the high dosages used in preliminary testing of methadone caused substantial side effects, the drug was not used clinically for several years.1 During the 1950s, methadone emerged as a treatment for opioid addiction and has remained the primary therapy for this condition for more than 40 years. Recently, methadone has been used to manage cancer pain and other chronic pain states. Its unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics make methadone a valuable option, but physicians should be aware of possible side effects. |
I agree with Suze. Given his age and the fact that he didn't have any unmanagable chronic pain- I believe he was either prescribed methadone for drug addiction or was getting it illegally. Methadone is EXTREMELY dangerous. The dose my husband takes every day would kill someone else in twenty seconds. Methadone has a horrible stigma, but I won't bore you all by talking about it.
I'll just say that if he WAS taking it legally, for drug addiction, I feel badly that his care was so mismanaged. The whole thing is very sad.