Transcript: “Methadose is the brand name for methadone, a pain-reliever approved by the FDA in 1947.”  Methadone is a prescription medication which is available as a generic drug and under the brand names Methadose and Dolophine. It is a potent opioid pain-reliever.  When methadone enters the body, it binds to opioid receptors located in the central nervous system on the brain and spinal cord. This relieves discomfort by blocking out the body’s natural response to pain.  Methadone is prescribed to help relieve moderate to severe discomfort. It is also used in treatment programs to prevent withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to more intense opioid drugs, like heroin. Methadone is available to be taken as a tablet, as a solution and as a tablet that is meant to be dissolved in a liquid. Most preparations are available in dosages of five, ten or forty milligrams. Because methadone is highly addictive, it should be taken exactly as prescribed. People who use the medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms will usually be required to take their medication at a supervised treatment center.  The most common side effects of methadone include drowsiness, weakness and headache, but ask your doctor for a complete list.Also, be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you experience slowed breathing, chest pain, a slowed heartbeat or any other significant changes.  Methadone shouldn’t be taken in conjunction with sedatives and may also be less effective in tobacco users. Ask your doctor for a full list of medications and conditions that should not be combined with methadone. Methadose can be highly effective at preventing withdrawal symptoms in heroin users, as well as aiding in severe pain. However, the drug should always be used under the direct care of a physician. Please ask for and review all of the information provided by your doctor before taking methadone. “The information in this video is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise of your physician. Always consult your doctor before using this drug.”