Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives AS Pharmacy Methadone

BRAND NAMES

Biodone (New-Zealand); Biodone Forte (New-Zealand); Biodone Extra Forte (New-Zealand); Dolmed (Finland); Dolophine (US); Dolophine HCL (US); Eptadone (Italy); L-Polamidon (Germany); Mephenon (Belgium); Metadon (Sweden, Denmark); Metasedin (Spain); Methaddict (Germany); Methadone Hcl (US); Methadose (US); Methaforte Mix (New-Zealand); Pallidone (New-Zealand); Physeptone (Australia, England, Hong-Kong, South-Africa); Symoron (Netherlands); Tussol (unknown); Westadone (US)

DRUG CLASS

Methadone is a narcotic analgesic.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Methadone HCl is a synthetic narcotic analgesic with multiple actions quantitatively similar to those of morphine, the most prominent of which involve the central nervous system and organs composed of smooth muscle. The principal actions of therapeutic value are analgesia and sedation and detoxification or temporary maintenance in narcotic addiction.

USES

Methadone is used for opiod dependence and severe pain.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Significant - Naltrexone, cimetidine, diarrhea from toxicity, respiratory depression, pseudomembranous colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic respiratory disease, acute asthma.

Possibly significant - Luvoxamine, phenytoin, rifampin, head injury, intracranial hypertension, benign prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture, renal disease, gallbladder disease, hepatic disease, gastrointestinal disorder/impairment, GI sugery, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures with epilepsy, drug abuse, drug dependence, emotional lability, hypothyroidism,

SPECIAL CONCERNS

When administered to lactating mother, risk-benefit must be considered. Methadone has a definite effect on the infant, and my cause substance dependency. Animal studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the the fetus during pregnancy, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

SIDE EFFECTS

Frequent - Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, faintness, hypotension, weakness, malaise, nausea, vomiting.

Less Frequent - Appetite loss, atelectasis, biliary spasm, blurred vision, bradycardia, bronchospasm, confusion, decreased urination, difficulty breathing, diplopia, dry mouth, false sense of well-being, GI irritation, headache, insomnia, laryngeal edema, laryngospasm, nervousness, pounding pulse, respiratory depression, tachycardia, ureteral spasm, visual changes.

Rare or Very Rare - Allergic dermatitis, allergic reaction, angioedema, depression, hallucinations, hives, itching, skin rash.

SOURCES

http://www.medscape.com
http://www.mdconsult.com; Mosby's Drug Consult

Edited by Strutsy on 03/18/02 08:13 PM (server time).

I have taken many different NSAIDS and Pain Medications over the past 18 or so
years and when I was prescribed Methadone for the first time i was a little skeptical
about it, i thought it was only used to help people that was hooked on heroin,well i
was wrong, it has been a life saver for me. Many of the other pain medications i
have taken like,Percocet,Talwin,Lortab,Tylox,ext...,made me drowsy,lightheaded,
and some just did not do much to ease the pain. Since i began taking methadone
to help with the pain,i enjoy my days almost pain free and without any side effects
that i got from the other meds. I realize that what works for some may not work for
others.But this has made my days a little bit better.

Wow LD... Sounds like you have found a winner! I will certainly keep your recommendation in mind in the future, thanks for sharing!


********
Kristin

TODAY IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL!!

That is great that you found something that works!!! I too have been on many different kinds of pain meds but nothing ever works. Right now I'm on OxyContin 40mg 3x a day. It barely knocks the edge off the pain.
The last time I went to my pain management doctor, I asked if I could try something other than Oxy and Methadone was one of the three options she gave me. Like an idiot, I chose the Duragesic patch that you wear for 3 days at a time. Pain meds normally do not make me sleepy but this one sure did!!! I kept falling asleep at my desk, couldn't drive, couldn't function a bit. I finally ripped the patch off after falling asleep at work on the toilet (for 30 to 45 minutes)!!! I'm just glad I didn't fall off :)!!! But when I stood up my legs were still asleep and my ankles rolled over - ouch.
Anyway, back to the Methadone.....so no side effects, they don't make you feel sleepy or "messed up" and they are working for you. That is wonderful!!! I'm really happy you are feeling good. Maybe I will give them a shot. Please keep us posted.



Beth

Hi Beth,
You might want to give Methadone a try,It does not give me that
feeling of being drugged or drowsy and it helps with the pain.
I hope that you find something that will help you with the pain
and discomfort from AS.

Best of luck,LD

LD, Meathadone has also worked very well for me, With this, I take less Medication for the pain. Ive been on Demerol to Ultram and methadone is a lot cheaper.

If methadone works, would any of the more traditional opiates do the trick? Have you tried any of them? I've found that DF118s stop the pain, as does co-dydramol.

I presently take Methadone for my pain. I take 10 mg 5 times a day, I am presently not having much relieve. I am currently seeing a new "Rhumy" my 2nd appt is on Monday. I have been seeing a pain specialist and have been for a little over 2 years, I do not have the time now to go into the whole thing with the experience there, but in short, they will not give me anything else, I believe because they do not believe that I am in as much pain as I am. I have had a resent flare up with AS and it is the worst that I have had in the 22 years, that I have been fighting this. I am curious about the two medications you mentioned, DF118s and co-dydramol. What are they? And are these drugs that can be prescribed in the USA? Because, I see that you live in UK, if I am not mistaken. If they are able to be prescribed in the US I would like a little more information so that I can mention them to my doctor on Monday, the 9th of September. Your help in this matter would greatly be appreciated and any other suggestions that I might be able to recommend with my doctor to help me have a some what normal life and continue to work and other things, because right now I am going through HELL!! and I need some direction. I can not sleep at night because of the pain in the neck and try to find a comfortable position or pillow so I can sleep well, I am only getting about 2 to 3 hours sleep and that is not a restful sleep. So please I am desparate and need relieve.
Sincerely,
Randy Chesnut
chesnut22076@netzero.com

Hi Randy,
I wanted to welcome you and wish you luck on Monday. My husband, Alan, is the one with AS. He has found great relief from methadone. But lately his hips have become involved with a rapid progression. He has to wait til Dec. to see his rheumy..unless there is a cancellation. He also is in pain management. You never mentioned anything for inflammation. He has been on Feldene for years and if he misses a day or two.....watch out....instant flare.
Hoping that your appt. will go well and you will get the relief you need! Good luck and keep us informed.

Liz


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