Opioids are commonly used to treat severe, chronic pain. They work by attaching themselves to protein receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other body parts to block the pain messages sent to the brain. Your doctor may prescribe opioids if you underwent surgery, had an injury, or are battling a serious illness to alleviate your pain. While most opioids are highly effective for pain management, they have some side effects. These drugs should be administered under professional supervision to ensure the patient’s well-being.
Methadone and Buprenorphine are commonly used opioids for pain management. These opioids have unique features that make them especially effective for the purpose.
Methadone for Pain Management
Methadone is an opiate that is used in heroin addiction treatment. While it’s highly effective in pain management, it should be handled only by expert physicians and prescribed for chronic pain when other less severe opioid options have been exhausted.
This drug is particularly useful for neuropathic pain management, as it can block the NMDA and mu receptors, both of which are activated when you experience severe neuropathic pain. It should not be used for less serious pains like to alleviate a headache or migraine.
Side Effects of Methadone:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
Benefits of Methadone for Pain Management:
- Methadone tablets are available in low doses-as low as 5 mg. This allows physicians the flexibility they need in administering a low dosage like 2.5 mg (half a tablet of 5 mg) to mitigate the chances of Methadone addiction.
- Methadone is a cheaper option compared to other available opioids. As a result, you can avail Methadone pain management treatment at a relatively affordable cost.
- Methadone produces a very subdued ‘high’, due to which the chances of overdose and addiction are relatively low.
Can Buprenorphine be used for Pain?
Buprenorphine or Subutex is a strong opioid that is able to control chronic pain. Your doctor might prescribe you this drug if you have cancer or have undergone an operation. It is often used for pain management in cases where other opioids have stopped working or proven ineffective.
Buprenorphine dosage will be administered to you depending on the intensity of your pain, your body’s response to other painkillers, and whether you experience any side effects.
Side Effects of Buprenorphine:
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Sleep disruption
- Back pain
- Numbness in mouth
Benefits of Buprenorphine for Pain Management:
- The strengths of Buprenorphine vary, so you can decide the dosage according to the patient’s requirement.
- It is ideal for use when other painkillers have failed to work due to its pain management abilities.
- It causes lesser physical dependence as compared to other drugs.
Can Suboxone be Used for Pain Management?
Suboxone is a combination of Buprenorphine and naloxone to treat severe pain. While FDA has not approved suboxone for pain, it is often used as an off-label treatment due to its effectiveness. It can be used to treat both acute and chronic pain.
Pain Management Therapy
If you suffer from chronic pain, you can consult a physician for opioid pain management and treatment. Your doctor might prescribe Methadone, Buprenorphine, or suboxone, depending on the severity of the pain and your individual condition. Ultimately, using Methadone or Buprenorphine for pain management is proving to be an effective method for treating opioid susbtance misuse.
