WARNING! Did you watch this on Friday Night? METHADONE- "One Pill Can Kill" 20/20 abc?

Question

Not to be confused with methamphetamine.
METHADONE is a completely different drug- Originally, it was prescribed for people who were dealing with withdrawals from drugs/alcohol. Then some idiot found out it relieved pain.
Now, thanks to people that have abused vicoden and oxyxontin, the MD's are prescribing this to keep the DEA off their backsides...
In effect, they are killing people- old, young and inbetween...
One day soon, if we as consumers do not outcry loudly enough, this tragedy is going to happen to someone in the DEA, or start to happen at the insurance companies- the people and/or their loved ones. Sadly, that is what it will take to make people stop using it... They won't care unless/until it happens to one of their own...

My own stepdaughter died on September 13th from taking this drug. Please tell your family/friends/loved ones NOT to take METHADONE under any circumstances.

QUESTION:
Why is this even being prescribed when all these innocent people are dying??

NOT methamphetamine.
METHADONE is a completely different drug- Originally, prescribed for dopers dealing with withdrawal from AODA. Then some idiot found out it relieved pain.
Now, thanks to people who have abused vicoden and oxycontin, the MD's are prescribing this. Sadly, they are killing people-
One day soon, if we as consumers do not outcry loudly enough, this tragedy will happen to someone in the DEA, or at the insurance companies- the people and/or their loved ones. Sadly, that is what it will take to make people stop using it... Some won't care unless/until it happens to one of their own...

My own stepdaughter died on September 13th from taking this RX drug, prescribed for her PAIN.
Please tell your family/friends/loved ones NOT to take METHADONE under any circumstances.
Why is this prescribed when all these people are dying?

(Thanks 'Betty L.' but I do not think I have to 'read up' on anything to promote this familys grief. How very callous of you- ignorant too).

Answer 1

I am sorry for your loss and you are right in that Methadone is one of the more dangerous pain meds out there.
Having said that--dont blame the medicine. It is a very effective pain killer for people with cancer and Chronic pain.

The problem with methadone is that it has a long half life (stays in the body a long while) and each dose accumulates.
So it is essentual that the doc and the patient start low and slowly tirate this med to a level that works for the individual pt.

What often happens is the pt doesnt think its working and may take an extra dose or the doctor is not educated in how to prescibe this med and gives to high a dose.

Methadone is being used more and more to to treat CP but not so much because of the DEA but that it is cheaper and effective.

A rule of thumb to anyone: use the same pharmacy and always check with your pharmacist before taking a new med--they often know more than the docs when it comes to meds and if you use the same one they will know your history and drug interactions.

Also--use a CP doc--heor she specializes in the treatment of chronic pain.

Answer 2

Sorry about your stepdaughter. But you really need to read up on methadone before downing it. Because it does work for people that use it as prescribed and you have to want off the drugs for yourself not for family members. Methadone has saved alot of lives since oxycotin has came on the market including me and my husband of 20 years

Answer 3

I am very sorry you and your family lost of your loved one!! i know how devistating it can be.
but being in pharmacy for almost 10 years now, im wondering if she had taken anything else. the most insignificant thing, can make something most significant.
as there are more than a few things this drug shouldnt be taken with. most dr's (that i see in the hospital setting) are trying more and more to get away from the highly controlled medications, like this one (thankfully)
but you are correct in saying that this can be a dangerous drug. many people have problems with pain, and seek pain management. other drugs are tried before this one. and anyone on a drug like this needs to keep in close contact with their physician, and/or pharmacist.
unfortunetaly i dont see this drug going away anytime soon.

Answer 4

The problem with methadone is the same problem with any narcotic. It can cause respiratory failure if not taken correctly. It would be very easy with a medication like this to forget one took it and take an extra dose by mistake. Methadone was originally invented to get heroin addicts off heroin. If monitored correctly and proper precautions followed, then the drug should not be deadly, but it does take proper monitoring, just like any narcotic.

Answer 5

I'm a pharmacist. I can tell you quickly that CANCER is one of the reasons we give out methadone.
The problem is not the medicine, but the way it is being distributed and consumed.

Answer 6

I DIDN'T WATCH THE PROGRAM BUT I KNOW FIRST HAND HOW STRONG THAT MEDICATION IS....I'VE TAKEN IT BEFORE AND IT MADE ME VERY MOODY, I LOOKED LIKE ****, AND THEN IT MADE ME LOSE CONTROL OF MY BLADDER....SO THAT IS WHEN I WENT BACK TO MY DR. AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THIS AND THEY JUST PUT ME BACK ON MY LORTAB. I HAVE VERY BAD CHRONIC PAIN. I AM SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR STEPDAUGHTER. YES, THIS DRUG IS VERY STRONG AND IF YOU MUST TAKE IT BE SURE TO TAKE IT AS PRESCRIBED!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

No... I didn't watch it, and sorry for youre loss. They probably still distribute it for the same reason they still sell cigs: Cash.

Answer 8

the truth is that heroin is safer this drug has been known to kill for years.
sometimes it makes you think how smart are the people that are running our countrys.
in my opinion dumb as a post.

Answer 9

I did see that. I didn't realize it was so bad. Sorry for your loss.

Answer 10

Dunno,but you look kinda hot(-;