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john r
Member
Posted
If a patient is on 40mls of methadone 4 weeks prior to release from prison and is getting cravings (sound familiar to anyone on the secure environs course?) would an increase in dose of methadone - say to 60mls - result in an increase protection from overdose due to increased tolerance? Or would it result in an increase load of opiates making them more likely to OD should they use on top once they are released?
 
Posts: 26 | Location: Lancaster, UK | Registered: 08 May 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Simon Greasley
Member
Posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by john r:
If a patient is on 40mls of methadone 4 weeks prior to release from prison and is getting cravings (sound familiar to anyone on the secure environs course?) would an increase in dose of methadone - say to 60mls - result in an increase protection from overdose due to increased tolerance? Or would it result in an increase load of opiates making them more likely to OD should they use on top once they are released?


Hi John,
If someone is on 40ml and are having cravings then they are likely to use on top. If they are released on more than 40ml they are going to have a higher tolerance and will be less likely to use on release. If they do use on release they probably won't need to use as much.
I'd always document the risk of overdose/respiratory depression. I love the EMIS code 'Usual warnings given'
 
Posts: 1769 | Location: Barnsley Yorkshire | Registered: 01 June 2004Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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