Drug Rehab - Dangers Of Methadone

10/25/2007

Methadone

Methadone prescriptions are on the rise and attendant accidental deaths are increased by over 200%. We need to understand this drug - the truths and the misconceptions.

BACKGROUND
In 1937 and 1938 two scientists, Bockmuhl and Ehrhart, working for the German chemical company, I.G. Farben were searching for a painkiller that would be less addictive than morphine. In 1941 they filed a patent application for their development of Polamidon which eventually became known as Methadone. The Nazis did not make any attempt to mass produce the drug, due to its side effects, including nausea and overdose, according to some reports.

I.G. Farben also manufactured the formula Zyklon B, the notorious lethal agent used in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. After World War II, due to the severity of this and other war crimes I.G. Farben chemical company was liquidated, and methadone became an American possession.

Eli-Lilly pharmaceutical company was given control of the drug and originally named it dolophine. Contrary to legend, the drug was not named after Adolph Hitler but is more likely derived from the French words "dolo" (pain), and "fin" (end).

After clinical trials with dolophine in 1947, reports started coming in of adverse reactions and the drug was taken off the market and did not resurface in the US until the 60s, as "methadone."

UP TO THE PRESENT
It was not until early 60's, that methadone was promoted as a treatment for opiate addicts. Thus, the concept of the methadone maintenance program was born and maintenance centers spread rapidly through the U.S. and continue to service 20 % of the nearly 900,000 heroin addicts. Life on methadone is described as a life not worth living. Methadone has proven to be quite addictive. Since methadone doses are typically given every 24 hours, the addict ends up tied to the methadone addiction, having to go to the clinic once a day. Missing even a day can make one quite sick.

Through the years, methadone use has expanded beyond methadone clinics. It is prescribed for pain relief and sold on the street illegally, quite often to methamphetamine addicts who, after being awake for days, use it to sleep.

And what about those "drug cocktails" that Howard K. Stern is rumored to have been giving Anna Nicole Smith? We can't always believe what we hear on TV, but the possibility does bring up the interesting point that one cannot mix methadone with other pills. This is an intensely deadly cocktail. The brain gets sleepy and tells the lungs to go to sleep and that's it.

Doctors, who prescribe methadone for pain, are usually not as well educated in drug abuse, as those who work in addiction, and consequently their patients are not well informed. With the increased use of methadone, especially with uneducated users, comes the increase of related accidental deaths - frequently the leading cause of overdose in some states.

Some drugs are forgiving - methadone is not.

OVERDOSE
A person must seek immediate emergency attention if there are signs they have taken too much methadone. Some signs are:

Respiratory depression;
Shallow or decreased breathing;
Slow heart rate;
Small pupils;
Cold clammy skin;
Overdose can lead to death

POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF METHADONE
If anyone experiences the following side effects they must call 911 or their doctor immediately:

Shallow breathing;
Hallucinations or confusion:
Fast or pounding heart;
Chest pain;
Difficulty breathing;
Fainting

SIDE EFFECTS
A doctor should be notified if any of these persist:


Feeling anxious, nervous, or restless
Sleep problems
Dizziness
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Dry mouth
Constipation
Decreased sex drive or impotence

WITHDRAWAL
Withdrawal from methadone is similar to withdrawal from opiates or heroin, but is slower and more prolonged. Symptoms include:

Restlessness and irritability
Weakness
Anxiety
Depression
Fever
Chilliness
Increased perspiration
Tachycardia
Abdominal cramps
Body Aches
Twitching
Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

For more information:

Drug Rehabs that use successful drug rehab programs
http://www.drug-rehab.us/

Drug Rehabs that use successful drug rehab programs
http://www.DrugAddictionTreatment.ca

Help with drug addiction and alcoholism
http://www.DrugAddictionSolutions.com/

Drug Rehabs for cocaine addiction and other drugs
http://www.cocaineaddictiontreatment.org/

Resources for parents to find good drug rehab programs
http://www.DrugAddictionHelpline.com/

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