Methadone is an opioid used to manage pain. It falls into the same family as hydrocodone and oxycodone. Pain Medicine News reports that, “New research suggests a disproportionate number of opioid-related overdose deaths involve methadone.” Investigator Lynn Webster is concerned that there is a lack of knowledge among doctors relating to this drug. A panel found that, in relation to out-patient pain prescriptions, methadone caused more deaths than any other opioids.

Pain physicians do not realize that it is tricky to prescribe the right dosage of this drug. They have to be careful not to start at too high a dose. On top of that, insurers can require that a patient use the generic version before switching to name-brand. The conversion table between the two is not precise yet.

In addition, sleep apnea is a side effect of this drug. Dr. Webster says that a sleep study should be done to assess a patient’s risk before they begin a methadone regimen.

Drug overdose is a serious complication and can even cause death. If you or someone you know has been the victim of an incorrect prescription dose, call the San Antonio incorrect dosage attorneys of Chris Mayo Injury Lawyers at 210-999-9999.