Methadone is a synthetic narcotic drug similar to morphine but less habit-forming than that. It is frequently used in narcotic detoxification and heroin addiction rehab. It is available by its trade name Dolophine which actually comes from the German word Dolphium that reflects its German Origin as Methadone was developed in Germany in 1937.
Methadone Prescription:
For around 30 years this synthetic narcotic drug has been used to treat opioid addiction, specifically heroin & morphine addiction. It is frequently administered orally. A large number of patients require around 80-120 mg/dl of methadone, or even more, to achieve desired effects. However, most of the clinics typically start patients at a lower dose. Taken once, methadone may suppress the narcotic urge for around 24 to 36 hours, of course, on a case specific basis.
Effects of Methadone - Use & Abuse:
The principal effects of methadone treatment are to relieve opioid craving, suppress the abstinence cravings, and block the euphoric effects associated with heroin. Heroin results in the release of an excess of dopamine neurotransmitter in the body which causes an urge to consume opiate continuously which can keep the opioid receptors in the brain occupied. Methadone occupies this receptor and suppresses that urge to consume heroin. This permits heroine addicts to change their behavior and to discontinue heroin use. Methadone maintenance has been found to be medically safe and non- tranquilizing. It is also indicated for pregnant women addicted to heroin.
Although Methadone reduces the cravings associated with heroin use and suppresses the urge to consume heroin, but it does not provide the same euphoria that heroin does. Consequently, the patient remains physically dependent on the Methadone or any opioid for that matter, but is freed from the uncontrolled, compulsive, and disruptive behavior seen in heroin addicts.
As compared to narcotics like heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc., methadone has been found to be much safer when used as directed by physician. If properly used, it has not been found to harm any of the body's vital organs viz. brain, liver, lungs, kidneys etc. even after long term usage. Some patients experience minor symptoms such as constipation, water retention, drowsiness, skin rash, excessive sweating, and changes in libido.
However, If not used properly or when abused, Methadone can cause slow or shallow breathing and dangerous changes in heart beat that may not be felt by the patient. Methadone has also been infrequently reported to cause cardiac conduction problems although very few fatalities have been documented due to this. Sadly, abuse of Methadone is increasing rapidly owing to its long-slow-releasing properties and much due to its low cost. A month's supply of methadone typically costs around $50 in the United States, compared to many hundreds of dollars for other opioids. This makes it a substance abuse potential.
Methadone Testing:
Laboratory testing for Methadone or any of its unique known metabolites may be done by antibody based screening like ELISA. Liquid Chromatography may be performed where TLC may help in low cost preliminary analysis. A MS/GC approach may also prove helpful for further validation purposes.
Needless to say, all these tests may be done either on blood samples or urine samples or even on hair follicle samples. However, for periodic monitoring purposes many rapid screening kits are available commercially for home use.
Oxycodone is a 14-hydroxydihydrocodeinone, semi-synthetic opioid analgesic that occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder having a saline, bitter taste. It is a potentially addictive opioid analgesic medication synthesized from thebaine.
Oxycodone Prescription:
It was first introduced to the US market in May 1939 and is the active ingredient in a number of pain medications commonly prescribed for the relief of moderate to heavy pain. Oxycodone is prescribed for moderate to high pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocation, fractures, neuralgia, arthritis, and lower back pain. It is also used postoperatively and for pain relief after childbirth. It is a commonly used medication for treatment of pain in cancer patients.
Oxycodone Abuse:
Oxycodone has a high abuse potential as it is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. In the United States, oxycodone is a controlled substance both as a single agent and in combination with products containing acetaminophen (Percocet, Tylox), ibuprofen or aspirin (Percodan). Oxycodone's action appears to work through stimulating the opioid receptors found in the central nervous system that activate responses ranging from analgesia to respiratory depression to euphoria. Oxycodone abusers ingest the drug in a variety of ways. They often chew the tablets or crush the tablets and snort the powder. As oxycodone is water soluble, crushed tablets can be dissolved in water and the solution injected.
Effects of Oxycodone Abuse:
Side effects of Oxycodone include constipation, dryness of the mouth, confusion, sedation, light-headedness, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, headache, & sweating etc while symptoms of overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, cold or clammy skin & small pupils to name a few.
People who take the drug repeatedly can develop a tolerance or resistance to the drug's effects. Thus, a cancer patient can take a dose of oxycodone on a regular basis that would be fatal in a person never exposed to oxycodone or another opioid. Most individuals who abuse oxycodone seek to gain the euphoric effects, mitigate pain, and avoid withdrawal symptoms associated with oxycodone or heroin abstinence.
Percocet, a narcotic analgesic, is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It consists of two drugs?acetaminophen & oxycodone. Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever. Oxycodone, a narcotic analgesic, is used for its calming effect and for pain. Serious adverse reactions that may be associated with Percocet tablet use include respiratory depression, apnea, respiratory arrest, circulatory depression, and hypertension
Percodan is a potent compound painkiller used to treat moderately severe to severe acute pain. Percodan consists of aspirin & oxycodone, a potent opioid agonist. At one time one of the most widely prescribed painkillers, Percodan has largely been replaced by alternative oxycodone compounds containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead of aspirin, such as Percocet.
Federal Regulations:
Like other opioid medications, Tylox, Percodan, Percocet tablets are subject to the Federal Controlled Substances Act. After chronic use, Tylox, Percodan, Percocet tablets should not be discontinued abruptly when it is thought that the patient has become physically dependent on oxycodone.
Oxycodone Testing:
Urine testing for oxycodone may be performed to determine its illicit use and for medical reasons such as evaluation of patients with altered states of consciousness or monitoring efficacy of drug rehabilitation efforts. Based on pharmacokinetic data, the approximate detection duration for a single dose of oxycodone is roughly estimated to be one to two days following drug exposure.
Oxycodone, like other opioids, has been diverted for non- medical use. Careful record-keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests is strongly advised.
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