what is it?

METHADONE is an opiate. This means that it falls into the same group of drugs as heroin and morphine which come from the opium poppy. Methadone, however, is artificially produced. The brand name for methadone is Physeptone.

what does it look like?

METHADONE usually comes in the form of a green or blue syrup or linctus. Tablets are also available. It is always potentially harmful to prepare tablets for injection, and Methadone syrupllinctus contains a substance that makes it painful and potentially dangerous to inject. Methadone Ampoules are also available which can be injected.

what are the effects?

LIKE heroin, methadone is a painkiller. You may feel drowsy, and have a feeling of warmth. It may make you constipated. Methadone does not produce as intense a "high" as heroin, and if you are dependent on it, the drug will more than anything make you feel "normal". The effects of methadone are much longer lasting than for heroin and therefore it is not usually necessary to take it more often than once every 24 hours.

is methadone addictive?

METHADONE is no less addictive than heroin. Some users feel that it is more addictive, and report that withdrawal lasts longer.

why is methadone prescribed?

MANY of the problems faced by users of heroin are a result of having to find the money to buy the drug. There are also the health risks of using a drug which is contaminated with other powders or is of uncertain strength. If taken by a heroin user, methadone will stop withdrawal symptoms.

A prescription for methadone can help a heroin user stabilise their life and health. For some it will be the start of a reduction programme over several weeks or months, while others will want to stay on a steady dose.

is it possible to overdose on methadone?

YES, for someone who is not used to it, even a small amount of methadone could be fatal, particularly if taken by a child. For this reason it is very important that methadone is stored safely away from children and never taken by anyone for whom it has not been prescribed. If an overdose is suspected, put the person in the recovery position (on their right side with left knee bent) and make sure their airways are clear and that they can breath easily, then call an ambulance. An overdose can also occur when someone takes more methadone than they are used to, or when they have had a break from it, and then resume taking the drug at an inappropriate level.

methadone use in pregnancy

IF you become pregnant, you should not suddenly stop your methadone as there could be a risk of miscarriage. Advice should always be sought from your doctor. Some methadone users will want to detox by slowly reducing their dosage over a number of weeks. For others it will be better to be maintained on methadone throughout pregnancy. If there are any withdrawal symptoms in the new born baby these can be treated in the first couple of weeks.

driving while taking methadone

IT is a criminal offence to drive while unfit through any drug use, in the same way as with alcohol. If you are prescribed methadone, the DVLA can require you to take a medical. If you fail it. the DVLA can suspend your driving licence even though you have not committed any driving offence. If in doubt consult your prescribing doctor . This can be the case if you are using any prescribed or street drug.

HIV/AIDS

IF you inject heroin or Physeptone and syringes or paraphernalia are shared, there is a risk of infection with HIV (which can lead to AIDS) and hepatitis. These can be transmitted through sharing blood contaminated syringes and needles. People who are infected with these viruses usually appear healthy, and may not develop the disease for years. From the moment someone is infected however, they carry the virus in their blood, and can infect others through unprotected sex and sharing injecting equipment. Those who inject can protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and hepatitis by using clean injecting equipment, obtainable from needle exchanges and some chemists, and not sharing it with anyone else.

legal position

METHADONE is a Class A, Schedule 2 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This makes possession, unless it is prescribed for you an offence, as is supply. Penalties vary according to individual circumstances, and local policies.