The effect of methadone on depression among addicts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Trials were separated by differing intertrial intervals between 2000 and 6000 ms. The 6 trial types (valence 2 x magnitude 3) were completed 15 times each in randomized order (90 trials in total). We excluded studies that specified exposure to nonmedicinal or nonprescription opioids (e.g., studies of heroin use). We included studies that specified prescription opioids and studies that examined opioid use broadly while including prescription opioids. Ideally, we would have excluded the latter, but the scarcity of research precluded us from focusing solely on prescription opioids. The estimates of the associations were consistent after the exclusion of those studies. The association between different types of opioids used and these mood symptoms warrants further research.

A balanced approach to methadone treatment involves careful monitoring, open communication between patients and healthcare providers, and a willingness to address both physical and mental health concerns. Methadone, a synthetic opioid medication, has long been used in the treatment of opioid addiction and chronic pain management. Many individuals undergoing methadone treatment experience depressive symptoms, which can significantly impact their overall well-being and recovery process. Understanding this intricate connection is crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike to ensure comprehensive care and improved outcomes.

The results of the present study show that methadone significantly reduces depression in addicts. Some side effects of methadone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of methadone hydrochloride tablets or following a dose increase.

Medications to treat opioid use disorder

Buprenorphine also binds to and activates mu-opioid receptors in the brain, but to a lesser degree than methadone; it https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/sharing-your-story-can-help-others-through-recovery/ also can block other opioid drugs from attaching to those receptors. Like methadone, buprenorphine can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing intense feelings of pleasure and intoxication in people who have opioid use disorder. We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed longitudinal evidence on the impact of prescription opioid use on mental health. Although the evidence was limited, the incidence and prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders and symptoms increased after the initiation of opioid use or during longer durations of prescription opioid use. If there was only one study that reported on a specific outcome, the estimates were included only in our summary table, with a note that the estimate was from one study.

Methadone and Depression: Understanding the Complex Relationship

NIDA is a biomedical research organization and does not provide personalized medical advice, treatment, counseling, or legal consultation. Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation. Avoid alcohol, sedatives, benzodiazepines, and other opioids while on methadone. Also, avoid changing doses without medical advice to prevent adverse reactions or complications. The association between age of onset of opioid use and comorbidity among opioid dependent patients receiving methadone maintenance therapy. Methadone changes the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain so that you feel relief.

AI screening for opioid use disorder associated with fewer hospital readmissions

If you have anxiety while taking methadone, you have options for reducing your symptoms. Discover more about anxiety and methadone and how to manage this symptom. Ultimately, the journey to recovery from both opioid addiction and depression is unique for each individual. By fostering a supportive environment, providing comprehensive care, and maintaining open communication between patients and healthcare providers, we can improve outcomes and offer hope for those struggling with this dual challenge.

Where can people get methadone treatment?

• Withdrawal symptoms can be quite harsh and can cause the person suffering to avoid quitting use for this reason.
• It’s worth noting that some medications used in opioid addiction treatment, such as buprenorphine, may have antidepressant properties and could potentially address both issues simultaneously.
• The treatment provides the best chance for recovery success, and we at Vertava Health can help you get there.
• When a person suddenly stops taking their medication abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

The effects of the co-use or substitution of cannabinoids for opioids also warrant future research. We identified three studies that investigated the levels of mood and anxiety symptoms after prescription opioids exposure 24, 29, 30. Mental health should be considered when opioids are prescribed because some patients could be vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes. Opioids addiction and misuse are among the major problems in the world today. There have been several preliminary studies examining the effect of methadone on depression among addicts, however, these studies have reported inconsistent and even contradictory results.

• Many individuals undergoing methadone treatment experience depressive symptoms, which can significantly impact their overall well-being and recovery process.
• We identified four studies that investigated the incidence of mood and anxiety outcomes after prescription opioids exposure 22, 25–27.
• Prescription opioids are considered essential medicines to treat acute and cancer pain, but they can be highly addictive 1.
• Methadone, a medication widely prescribed to manage opioid addiction, serves as an essential tool in harm reduction.
• Today, you might also get it as part of a treatment program for an addiction to heroin or narcotic painkillers.

Recognizing depressive symptoms in methadone users can be challenging, as some side effects of methadone may overlap with common signs of depression. However, it’s crucial to identify and address these symptoms to ensure effective treatment and improved quality of life. The concept of dual diagnosis, where an individual experiences both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition like depression, is particularly relevant in the context of methadone treatment. This complex relationship between depression and substance abuse requires a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses both issues simultaneously.

There have been very few studies comparing the efficacy of methadone maintenance therapy and other common treatments, including non-pharmacological what is alcoholism treatments, on the psychiatric disorders of the population of drug abusers. Evidences from reviewed experimental studies suggest the efficacy of opioid dependence and agonist maintenance therapies, especially methadone maintenance therapy, as a common treatment in most countries 37. The results of this study show that the prevalence of depression among addicts is high, which indicates the impacts of addiction on all aspects of addicts’ lives.

These differences in mood may include experiencing symptoms of anxiety sor you might experience anxiety as a separate, but related, emotional symptom. Anxiety symptoms related to methadone do not cause immediate harm unless you have a severe case. If you experience agitation, confusion or hallucinations while taking methadone, get medical help right away. By staying informed and proactive, patients and healthcare providers can work together to maximize the benefits of methadone treatment while minimizing its potential risks and side effects.