Methadone Pain Management:
Is it Right For You?

Methadone pain management options are available for people experiencing chronic pain. It has previously been mostly prescribed for end-stage cancer patients but is gaining popularity for the management of non-malignant chronic pain.

It is an effective, fairly economical and reasonably safe opioid to use in the treatment of patients with chronic pain.

Methadone is also commonly used to treat opioid dependence. However, if you have received a prescription for methadone to treat your chronic pain it does not mean that your physician believes you are already an addict.

Because it is the only long duration painkiller available in liquid form, it is especially useful in managing pain during the end stages of life. During this time, reducing pain and eliminating suffering is the primary focus. Patients and families are looking for more sophisticated pain management techniques and being prescribed a pain management medicine like methadone may provide a possible solution.

Methadone will not be prescribed in situations where rapid dose adjustments are required because it is generally not advisable to increase the oral dosage more frequently then every 4 days.

Although methadone does not bear a chemical resemblance to morphine or heroin, it does act on the same opioid receptors in the body and therefore does produce many of the same effects.

It should be noted that methadone is not the same as methamphetamine.

Even though it is considered fairly safe it does not mean that it is without risks and serious side effects.

Methadone is highly addictive and the potential for over-dosage and accumulation in the body does exist. If your doctor is prescribing this to you for your chronic pain, it is imperative that they are aware of any and all over-the-counter medications or natural remedies such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments that you are engaging in.

As with any prescription it is crucial to follow the directions carefully and only take the prescribed dosage. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the side effects that your physician has cautioned you about.

Because of the complex nature of this particular drug and risks involved, methadone pain management should only be considered in consultation with a doctor who is experienced with the potential contraindications of the drug. For alternative pain management, you may find the information available in Free From Chronic Pain to be helpful.

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