Methadone Pharmacology: Mechanism, Side Effects & Therapeutic Options

This report provides a detailed overview of methadone, a medication used in the treatment of heroin addiction. It explores methadone's mechanism of action as a full agonist on U-opioid receptors, its effectiveness in pain management and opioid withdrawal symptom reduction, and its potential side effects such as itchy skin, slow breathing, and more serious complications. The report also addresses contraindications and potential drug interactions, particularly with benzodiazepines and other pain relievers, which can either reduce methadone's effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse effects. Finally, it touches upon alternative therapeutic interventions like behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation, offering a comprehensive understanding of methadone's role in addiction treatment and the various factors to consider for effective patient care. Desklib provides similar solved assignments and study resources for students.

Pharmacology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Mechanism of action of Methadone.......................................................................................1
Side effect of methadone........................................................................................................1
Contra-indication of drug.......................................................................................................1
Potential alternative therapeutic intervention.........................................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................2
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Methadone is the medication which is effective for the user of heroin addiction. This is
effective and allow to manage and take over through the addiction. There is discussion about the
mechanism of action, contra-indication and potential cautions. There is also some discussion
about the potential therapeutic intervention.
MAIN BODY
Mechanism of action of Methadone
Methadone refers to opioid analgesic which have full agonist activity on U-opoid
receptor. This have the impact for the treatment of pain on individual. This is also effective in the
peripheral and central nervous system with agonist of κ- and σ-opioid receptors. Methadone
differs form the morphine which is referred as the gold standard (1). Methadone is effective and
have the similar effect of other opioids like oxycodone, hydromophone, fentanyl which have also
number of pharmacodynamics and pharmacodynamic property which make is distinguish. This is
more prolonged and have less symptoms. Methadone works the react of the brain along with
nervous system. They also treat variety of chronic pain. They reduce the symptoms of opioid
withdrawal by interacting with opioid receptors (2).
Side effect of methadone
There are some of the side effect of methadone which can be there due to consumption of
this medication to get rid of heroin addiction. Some of the side effect are like Itchy skin, slow
breathing, restlessness, heavy sweating, weight gain, appetite changes, headache, constipation,
stomach pain, flushing, vision problems and others. There is also serious side effect which may
include trouble breathing, hives or a rash, seizures, trouble swallowing, severe drowsiness,
unusual menstrual periods, rapid heartbeat, fainting (3).
Contra-indication of drug
There are some of the contra-indication of drug which may interact with several other
medications which can enhance the side effect or other medical issues (3). There is some drug
interaction where during taking methadone some medication should not be taken due to risk of
drug interaction. Pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine along with buprenorphine should not be
taken with methadone. This can help to reduce the pain relieving effect of methadone. Using of
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benzodiazepines like clonazepam, diazepam, temazepam are some of the drug which may lead to
show the drug interaction with methadone. This may increase the risk of side effect form other
drug. This can also show the less impact of drug by decreasing the action potential of the drug
(4).
Potential alternative therapeutic intervention
There are some of the alternative therapeutic intervention which can includes
management, rehabilitation, motivation, life-style changes and others. These alternative can be
effective and allow to get over through the heroin addiction. Behavioural therapy can also be
effective as the potential alternative therapeutic intervention (5).
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it can be conclude that methadone can be more effective for
heroin addiction. In this, there is discussion about the mechanism of action, side effect and drug
interaction. These are effective and can help both patient A and Patient B.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
1. Haas B, Ciftcioglu J, Jermar S, Weickhardt S, Eckstein N, Kaina B. Methadone-mediated
sensitization of glioblastoma cells is drug and cell line dependent. Journal of cancer
research and clinical oncology. 2021 Mar;147(3):779-92.
2. Taleghani AA, Isemann BT, Rice WR, Ward LP, Wedig KE, Akinbi HT. Buprenorphine
pharmacotherapy for the management of neonatal abstinence syndrome in methadone‐
exposed neonates. Paediatric and Neonatal Pain. 2019 Dec;1(2):33-8.
3. Komen H, Brunt LM, Deych E, Blood J, Kharasch ED. Intraoperative methadone in
same-day ambulatory surgery: a randomized, double-blinded, dose-finding pilot study.
Anesthesia and analgesia. 2019 Apr;128(4):802.
4. Daniels S, Pratt M, Zhou Y, Leri F. Effect of steady-state methadone on high fructose
corn syrup consumption in rats. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2018 Feb;32(2):215-22.
5. Younis IR, Lakota EA, Volpe DA, Patel V, Xu Y, Sahajwalla CG. Drug‐Drug Interaction
Studies of Methadone and Antiviral Drugs: Lessons Learned. The Journal of Clinical
Pharmacology. 2019 Aug;59(8):1035-43.
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