2+Methadone+and+Methadone+Treatment

__What is Methadone__: Methadone is a synthetic narcotic analgesic prescription drug that is used in many drug addiction programs. It is used to relieve pain and treat the effects of withdrawal symptoms from opioid drugs such as heroin, and is very similar to Morphine.(Wise geek, 2000) Since the 1960's Methadone has been used to treat dependency or addiction to other opioids such as codeine, morphine, heroin and oxycotton. It can be used at treatment clinics or prescribed by doctors and can be administered three different ways. Oral administration is the easiest and most common route, however, it may cause the recipient to vomit and the rate of absorption is different from person to person.(Physiology and Pharmacology of Methadone n.d.) The other route available is injection; this route is not a route of choice and can have serious side effects such as cardiac arrest.(Physiology and Pharmacology of Methadone n.d.) Any form of methadone can have a long list of adverse side effects such as follows:

"Constipation Itching  Dizziness  Light headedness  Dry mouth  Nausea  Drowsiness  Vomiting  Headache  Weakness  Increased sweating" (Physiology and Pharmacology of Methadone n.d.)

[]

__Severe Side Effects Include: __ "Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mough, face lips, or tongue) Confusion  Decreased sexual desire or ability  Excessive drowsiness  Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat  Fainting  Hallucinations  Loss of appetite  Menstrual changes or changes in mental or mood (e.g., agitation, disorientation, exaggerated sense of well-being)  Seizures  Severe or persistent dizziness or light headedness  Shortness of breath  Slow or shallow breathing  Swelling of the arms, feet or legs  Trouble sleeping  Trouble urinating  Unusual bruising or bleeding" (Drugs.com, 2010) []

__The Law __ :  "Methadone is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a schedule 2 drug, that is a substance considered to have medical therapeutic use, and legal to possess only if prescribed by a doctor, and then only if taken in accordance with the doctor's instructions. Methadone is a Class A drug". (Urban75 n.d. [|http://www.urban75.com/Drugs/methadone.html )]

__Methadone Treatment During Pregnancy __ : The first question that pregnant women in a methadone treatment center usually ask is: “Is methadone going to be safe for my baby?” (Methadone and Pregnancy 2006) In the 25 years that methadone has been used for treating dependency and addiction in pregnant women, it has never been shown to directly cause birth defects. (Methadone and Pregnancy 2006) Methadone has even been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes for opiate dependent women.(The Royal Woman’s Hospital 2006) However, even though methadone has not been shown to cause birth defects on children, it has been known to have side effects such as withdrawal symptoms, a smaller head size, and low birth weight. These side effects can also be found in pregnant woman that smoke, have poor nutrition and can depend as well on biological makeup. (Methadone and Pregnancy 2006) It is not recommended that pregnant woman that are already on methadone, stop their treatment because it can cause complications or even miscarriage.( Methadone and Pregnancy 2006).



[]

__Methadone Maintenance is Known to __:


 * "assist with stabilization of drug use and lifestyle
 * help provide a stable environment in your body for you baby, which can imporve the health of your baby
 * facilitate attendance for pregnancy care
 * reduce the risk of blood borne viral infections including Hepatitis C and HIV
 * reduce crime associated with drug use
 * is safe in breastfeeding"
 * []