Can Methadone Be Used to Treat Chronic Acute Pain?

Methadone is a prescription drug used to treat severe pain due to chronic, life-threatening conditions like cancer. It is a synthetic pain reliever making it a controlled substance (high risk of misuse and is likely to cause dependence). Methadone works in the brain to alter how you respond to pain. Methadone is also commonly used for detoxification or to treat opioid addiction, such as heroin, and to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms caused by other opioids. Methadone comes in the form of:

Oral Tablet
Oral Dispersible Tablet (Tablet That Can Be Dissolved in Liquid)
Oral Concentrate Solution
Intravenous (Iv)-Given by A Healthcare Provider
Oral Solution

Why Is Methadone Used for Pain Relief?

Methadone can also be found in the brand name Methadose in the form of an oral soluble tablet and is used to treat chronic pain from medical treatment, inflammation, injury, or due to other unknown causes.

Doctors give methadone only when other non-opioid drugs and short-term medications are ineffective or when you cannot tolerate them. Methadone has potent analgesic effects, and the tablet form is used to treat moderate to severe pain, but it is not ideal for relieving mild or transient pain or pain that goes away in a few days, like the pain from surgery. It is essential to note that methadone should not be used for occasional use or as needed.

What Are the Benefits of Methadone for Pain Management?

Methadone has unique qualities and similar analgesic efficacy and side effect profile to morphine. It efficiently replaces other opiates when patients cannot take high dosages. Benefits may include the following:

Methadone has a convenient prescription schedule
It is highly effective for pain management in chronic conditions
Methadone is affordable for most patients
It is suitable for patients who have a morphine allergy

What You Need to Know About Methadone Intake for Pain Relief

Inform your doctor if you are taking or stopping other medications. This is because there are medications that can interact with methadone leading to life-threatening side effects, minimal pain relief, and sometimes death.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because methadone can be secreted into breast milk and cause severe effects on your baby.
Methadone may cause a life-threatening change in breathing (by slowing or stopping) and changes to the heartbeat that you might not be able to feel.
Methadone pain relief should last longer if you have been taking it for some time.
Methadone should not be taken more than prescribed since it can build up in your body and become life-threatening.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not get better or worse.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of mental illness or medical conditions.
Avoid stopping methadone abruptly. This is because it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
You should not take alcoholic beverages while on methadone
Follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter while taking methadone dosages
Do not crush, snort, or chew, methadone tablet since it will not work well

What Side Effects Can Occur When Using Methadone?

Common methadone side effects include:

Difficulty falling asleep
Headache
Sweating
Dry mouth
Difficulty urinating
Mood swings
Nausea
Constipation
Vision problems

To avoid these side effects, ensure you stay within the prescribed amount. The symptoms go away in a few days. If you experience the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: