For those who use methadone for management of chronic pain
January 10, 2008 by Marijke Durning, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
My first experience with methadone was when I worked in palliative care. I had patients who were taking methadone to manage their pain and I had to do some quick research so I understood what it was I was giving. Up until then, I’d never considered it as a viable medication in mainstream medicine. Luckily, now I know better. One of the advantages of methadone is its quick action and it lasts longer than some other more commonly used narcotics.
In 2006, the FDA issued an alert: Death, Narcotic Overdose, and Serious Cardiac Arrhythmias. However, research published in the January 2008 issue of The American Journal of Medicine has found that even at therapeutic levels, doses that are acceptable and useful, can cause problems. You can read an article about it here: Methadone Can Kill, Even At Therapeutic Levels.
More research is being done, as this study isn’t conclusive. It does raise some questions though.
I was put on Methadone 60-mg a day 180 pills a month, Xanax 10-mg a day along with other medication. I think the drug is evil, and should be banned any doctor who prescribes this medication should be responsible for the person he addicted. I have never taken any opian? drug in my life nor have I ever been addicted to a drug or medication. my family doctor “Fired me after 4 years of care and 3 years of being on the Methadone he told my husband ” I should have thought about everything before I Pissed Him Off!” no other explanation till this day I don’t know what I did? He also told my husband ” I hope she hits BOTTOM I MEAN BOTTOM I DO NOT CARE ABOUT HER SHE IS LIKE ACID TO MY SKIN” QUOTE UN QUOTE. when my husband mentioned you put her on the medication is there a way to get her off? treatment? the Doctor screamed at my husband ” Well if your going to point fingers get the HELL OUT OF HERE AND DON’T EVER COME BACK I NEVER WANT TO HERE HER NAME AGAIN!!!!!”.
I find him also an evil man with his staff who have continued to lie and slander my name to any doctor I have tried to find. No on will take me because one I take “METHADONE god forbid and I already take other medication. I am appalled by this treatment as NO ONE deserves to be abused in such a way by a So called professional.
Now for the 6th time I am trying to get off of the Methadone by myself at home. I pray it does not kill me. every other time I end up in an ER Violently!!!!!! Ill, and near stroke.
God help those who are still taking it, as for me no one will help ER won’t help either were I live they told me not to come back! I held my composure, as I was in the Peek of withdraw from 60-mg’s a day, trying myself to get off because no one else will help me. What is wrong with you doctors?
I’m so sorry you had that horrible experience. I don’t blame you at all for being angry.
Methadone can be a wonderful pain medication for the right people, but it has to be prescribed to the proper patients in the proper doses.
I hope you find relief. I wish I could do more.