These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Methadone Detox [posted 11/10/98]
Question: I have gotten off Methadone AMA due to various suggestions by various doctors(apparently based on the doc’c view of methadon and heroine addiction). It has surprised me at just how ingrained prejudice against heroin/methadone is within the medical community. I have been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis/pancreatic insufficiency, thus I got off methadone. I do not want to use it, I need to know how long a period of time must pass after being on methadone maintanence for 3 years before the methadone is entirely out of my system, so that I may commence with buprenorphine–leading to naltraxon therapy. Please, I have gotten my life together, and now I am falling to pieces–as I was before the methadon. Any and all information, help, or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Answer: A week would be sufficient to avoid the buprenorphine interactional effects. A few days might be ok.
manufacturer for methadone drugs?
Question: Could you please supply the name of the pharmaceutical
Answer: Roxane laboratories, corporate address 1809 Wilson Rd. Columbus, OH 43228-8601.
Direct inquiries to Professional Services Department P.O. 16532 Columbus, OH 43216-6532
Telephone 800-848-0120.
Methadone
Epidurals & Methadone
Question: I have received 2 cervical epidurals in the last two months, following 3 neck surgeries and four fusions. The pain is always so intense the Dr. at the pain clinic thought that trying to relieve swelling of scar tissue might help, since all else has failed. I have had some relief but don’t know if from that or the methadone (20m) a day is helping. Both, I hope. I would like to know if any, the long term side effects of the epidurals and the methadone.
Answer: Methadone is well tolerated long term with no appreciable side effects other than physical dependence. The short term side effects of constipation, difficulty focusing, occasional slurred speech and difficulty focusing will persist. There should be no long term side effects of the epidurals if you haven’t seen any problem until now.
