Methadone
InformationUpdated September 2007- Methadone
(an opioid) was first introduced into the United States in 1947 by Eli Lilly
and Company as an analgesic (with the trade name Dolophine). Since then, it is
most commonly used as part of drug addiction detoxification and maintenance
program to help reduce withdrawal symptoms in people who are addicted to
narcotic drugs (such as heroin) without giving the patient the “high” feeling
associated with drug addiction.
Methadone is
available in four forms: tablet, a dispersible tablet (can be dissolved in
liquid), a solution and concentrated solution (must be diluted prior to use) to
take by mouth. In most cases Methadone is used as part of a treatment program
for drug addiction and the medication is given through a clinic or special
pharmacy.
Side Effects
Common side
effects associated with the use of Methadone can include: headache, nausea,
constipation, weight gain, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, drowsiness,
weakness, vomiting, mood changes, vision problems, swelling of hands, legs and
feet, flushing, stomach pain and more.
More serious side effects associated with the use of Methadone can
include: hives, rash, itching and seizures. If you are experiencing any adverse
effects, you should contact your medical doctor immediately.
Medical
examiners listed Methadone as contributing to 2,992 deaths in 2003, up from 790
reported deaths in 1999, according to the National Center for Health
Statistics. Approximately 82% of those deaths were listed as accidental and
most of them involved the combination of Methadone with the use of other drugs
(most commonly benzodiazepines).
On November
11, 2006, the FDA approved revisions to safety labels forMethadone HCI 5 and
10mg tablets to emphasize risk for fatal and life-threatening respiratory
depression and cardiac arrhythmias in patients who receive initial analgesic
therapy and those patients who converted from treatment with other opiod
agonists.
On February
23, 2007, the FDA approved safety labeling revisions to advise of the risk of
respiratory depression and QT interval prolongation associated with the use of
Methadone HCI 5 and 10mg tablets.
In 2007, the
Institute for Safe Medication Practices and the Division of Public Health
Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, conducted a longitudinal
Adverse Events Reporting System Review of the U.S. FDA's most dangerous drugs. The study found methadone to be a
very dangerous drug in the market with the sixth highest number of suspect drug
deaths. Over the eight years of the study, methadone was by far the one
of the most lethal drugs on the market with over all 1,200 deaths in the eight
year period.
If you have
suffered from adverse effects associated with the use of Methadone, it may be
in your best interest to contact one of our personal injury lawyers who can help protect your legal rights. It is important to
keep in mind that there may be time limits in which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard will
evaluate your case for free. You will
not need to pay any fees or costs unless your lawyer
recovers money for you.
See Also
- Addiction Treatment: Overview