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Methadone

Methadone Icon

Summary

Methadone is synthetically manufactured opiate and is used as a substitute for the treatment of people dependent on heroin and other opioids
Usual form is a liquid but can be in tablet and ampoule form
Usually on prescription as a substitute for opiate addiction

Small amounts can give the user a sense of warmth and well-being, whilst lager amounts can leave a person feeling drowsy and relaxed
Its effects are much longer lasting than heroin, a single dose being effective for approximately 24 hours
The use of other drugs with methadone, especially other depressant drugs such as alcohol , opiates (including heroin) or benzodiazepines (including Valium, Serepax and Rohypnol), increases the risk of overdose.
Injecting methadone is a serious health risk as it increases the risk of overdose and can lead to blood clotting, collapsed veins and other medical complications
Causes constipation
First time use often leads to side-effects like dizziness, vomiting and can cause fatal overdose
Tolerance to the drug can develop, which means a person needs more of it to get the same effects
Returning to use after a few days or more of abstinence can cause fatal overdoses (there is evidence that a dose of 40mg can be fatal in a non-tolerant adult)
A very small dose of a few mgs of methadone can be fatal in children, has been known to cause death and needs to be stored safely
Mixing with other drugs, especially alcohol or benzodiazapines (valium,pills) greatly increases risk of overdose
Any amount to which a person is not tolerant can lead to overdose, coma and in some cases, death.
Sharing injecting equipment puts the user at risk from blood borne infections such as hepatitis B, C or HIV