Pharmacology · single question
Why is methadone used in opioid addiction treatment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Its long half-life provides stable blood levels with fewer withdrawal symptoms and less euphoria
Methadone is a long-acting full opioid agonist (half-life 24–36h). Its long duration maintains stable plasma levels, preventing the peaks (euphoria) and troughs (withdrawal) of short-acting opioids. Patients can be maintained on once-daily oral dosing under supervision, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while allowing functional daily life.
- A. ❌ Methadone has the same class of opioid side effects as other opioids.
- B. ✅ Long half-life → stable levels → reduced withdrawal symptoms, reduced craving, less euphoria — the mechanism of methadone maintenance.
- C. ❌ Methadone DOES cause physical dependence — it replaces one dependency with a more manageable, supervised one.
- D. ❌ Reduced euphoria (not increased) is the goal of methadone therapy.