Opioids are chemical compounds that generally are not derived from natural plant matter. Most opioids are "made in the lab" or "synthesized. Though a few opioid molecules — hydrocodone e. The phrase "synthetic opioid" is considered redundant; nearly all opioids are synthesized. The pharmaceutical industry has created more than different opioid molecules. Some are widely used medically, some are not. Examples of well-known opioids used medically in the U.
Both groups of drugs are "narcotics. It's most precise to refer to both groups of narcotic drugs as "opiates and opioids," the naturally derived and the synthetic.
But currently, when people wish to refer to all of these drugs, they often use the term "opioid. The dose-response relationship is far more variable and idiosyncratic than for oxycodone or other opiates. Methadone has numerous active metabolites. And as those active metabolites accumulate during the first 2 weeks on any given dose of the drug, patients will gradually experience greater analgesia and, disturbingly, more respiratory depression as well.
Gaster explained at the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians. The other major shortcoming of methadone as a treatment for chronic pain is that the drug comes in big-dose tablets designed for once-daily treatment of heroin addiction. The smallest available dose — a 5-mg tablet — is times more potent than a 5-mg pill of oxycodone. So patients placed on 5 mg per day of methadone are really being started at 3 times the usual starting dose of oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine.
And 60 mg of methadone is really more like mg of oxycodone. Likewise, despite its use in addiction treatment, methadone joins other painkillers in its potential for causing addiction and dependence.
If taking methadone properly and for legitimate reasons, the medical staff will monitor dosage level and help safeguard against addiction. In either case, professional rehabilitation is the most effective way to deal with any addiction, including methadone. Methadone is often used as a replacement drug in opioid addiction treatment. It has great value because patients can stay on methadone for many years without ill effects. However, it is best used in conjunction with other therapies to treat the underlying cause of the addiction as well as the physical addiction.
If you have questions about methadone therapies or addiction treatment, our admissions coordinators can help. We are available 24 hours a day to take your call, answer questions, provide information and even check health insurance policies for rehab benefits.
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