I’m On Methadone – Which Is Also A Painkiller – So What Happens If I Need Pain Medication?
When methadone was discovered in the late 1930s, it was found to be an effective agent to treat pain. So it is sometimes believed that people taking the drug daily as part of a methadone maintenance treatment program for addiction do not feel physical pain like everybody else. This is untrue – patients stabilized on methadone feel pain just like anybody else would. And patients in methadone maintenance treatment who have pain have the same needs as other people for adequate pain medication. For average pain that doesn’t last very long – such as a headache or muscle strain – over-the-counter painkillers (analgesics) should do the job. If pain is more severe or long-lasting, opioid painkillers with actions similar to morphine may be needed. Patients who are already used to an opioid drug (methadone) should talk to their doctor about the various drugs available for treatment. Additional medicines – like antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs – may be prescribed to help increase the effects
Related Questions
- I have chronic pain and my pain gets worse when I increase my activity. I’m taking pain medication which helps me to do more, but how do I know that I’m not causing more damage?
- I’m interested in pain and medication management. Can I join more than one Community of Practice?
- I’m On Methadone - Which Is Also A Painkiller - So What Happens If I Need Pain Medication?
