Information Sheet - Methadone
What is methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic painkiller that mimics the effects of heroin, but is less addictive. It is most commonly used as a substitute for patients who are attempting to combat addiction to heroin.
It usually comes in the form of a green liquid (like cough mixture) which is poured into a plastic cup for drinking. Tablets are also available.
How do methadone substitute programme work?
Doctors must first issue a prescription for the dose, specifying the amount, the days on which it can be administered and restricting the person who can collect the methadone to the addict him or herself.
Initially a drug abuser is prescribed slowly increasing amounts of methadone to increase tolerance to the drug. The amount is then slowly decreased until they are cured of the need of the drug altogether.
Some young people do ‘top up’ their ever decreasing medication with either illegally bought methadone or heroin.
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects can include:
- Runny nose and ‘liquid’ eyes
- Drowsiness
- Apathy
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Suppression of breathing reflexes
- Constricted pupils
- A drop in body temperature and blood pressure
- Slower pulse rate
Long term effects include constipation, sweating and itching. Most of these effects will disappear with dose adjustments and as the person’s lifestyle improves.
Ifmethadone is stopped abruptly withdrawal symptoms will begin to manifest themselves after about 2 days. These include diarrhoea, yawning, stomach cramps, runny nose, sleeping difficulty and joint pain. These symptoms reach their peak on day 5 or 6and will fade after about 14 days.
If methadone is taken in excessive quantities it will lead to coma and then death. Overdose can also occur if methadone is injected or taken with drugs such as alcohol or minor tranquillisers.
Symptoms of an Overdose can include:
- Muscle spasticity
- Bluish coloured fingernails and lips
- Spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
- Coma
- The side effects detailed above
In the event of a suspected overdose, ask for assistance, call for an ambulance and, if there are signs of breathing place the individual in the recovery position
Guidelines to Prince’s Trust staff & those responsible for delivering Trust programmes
The Prince’s Trust does not admit any young person on its programmes in possession of or taking Class A drugs. However a young person on a Methadone Treatment programme will not be discriminated against. Any Project/Team Leader who has a young person in their care using methadone must ensure:
- The risk assessment includes specific risks and control measures to address any additional hazards introduced by the methadone.
- They feel confident that they have adequate knowledge and information about methadone, how it is administered, and the dangers associated with it.
- They are aware of the dangerous effects caused by combining methadone with alcohol or other minor tranquillisers
- All programme activities are suitable and do not pose a danger of any kind to either the Methadone user or other members of the team. (It is recommended that methadone users do not undertake ‘dangerous’ activities or drive or operate heavy machinery.)
- The person using the Methadone is considered in all risk assessments associated with the programme.
- Any Methadone required on residentials is stored safely and securely. This is usually achieved through the use of a metal box with a padlock and then a secure bicycle chain to ensure the box is not taken along with its contents. Please refer to the Head of Health and Safety at Park Square East for further details
- They are aware that they must not measure the dose of methadone for the individual.
- They know how long the individual has been on the treatment programme and what their prescribed dosage is.
The Prince’s Trust Policy on Drugs & Alcohol
The Prince’s Trust has a specific policy on drug and alcohol use/misuse please use information in conjunction with the policy.