Methadone vs. morphine primarily differ in terms of potency, duration of action, and clinical uses. While both are opioids, methadone is more potent and has longer-lasting effects than morphine.
Moreover, only methadone is FDA-approved for treating opioid addiction, even though both medications can be prescribed for pain relief.
To help you gain a deeper understanding of their properties and risks, this article will compare methadone vs. morphine in terms of potency, effectiveness, addictiveness, and other important factors.
What Is Methadone, and What Is It Used For?
Methadone is an opioid medication used for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and pain management. As a long-acting opioid, it is typically prescribed for severe pain resistant to weaker pain medications, which requires around-the-clock relief.
Methadone comes in various forms, with oral tablets and solutions being the most common. Besides the oral route, it can be administered intravenously, subcutaneously, epidurally, intrathecally, and intramuscularly. It is sold as a generic or brand-name medication under Methadose®, Dolophine®, and other brands.
Once administered, methadone binds to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), blocking the transmission of pain signals.
When used for opioid addiction treatment, methadone replaces short-acting opioids, such as heroin, and relieves withdrawal symptoms. It is typically used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) alongside counseling and other therapies.
Risks of Using Methadone
Some of the key risks of using methadone include:
- Tolerance
- Opioid abuse
- Opioid dependence
- Methadone addiction
- Methadone overdose
- Chronic constipation
- Respiratory depression
- Hormonal dysregulation
- Liver, heart, and other organ damage
Furthermore, there have been cases of methadone-induced hyperalgesia. In other words, using methadone for opioid addiction or pain management may lead to increased pain sensitivity.
Taking this medication as prescribed is of vital importance, as methadone abuse increases the risk of dependence, addiction, and a potentially fatal overdose.
What Is Morphine, and What Is It Used For?
Morphine is an opioid used to control moderate-to-severe pain when non-opioid medications don’t work or cannot be used. As one of the oldest drugs, it has been isolated from opium and used for pain management since the 1800s.
There are various forms of morphine, including tablets, capsules, rectal suppositories, and injections. It comes in both immediate- and extended-release formulations.
Some common brand names for morphine include:
- Kadian®
- Avinza®
- Zomorph®
- Oramorph®
- MS Contin®
Like methadone, morphine alters the perception of pain by interacting with opioid receptors. Although it can effectively alleviate discomfort, morphine carries numerous risks and should be taken exactly as prescribed.
Risks of Using Morphine
The risks of using morphine are similar to those of methadone and may include:
- Tolerance, dependence, and morphine addiction
- Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic constipation
- Morphine abuse
- Organ damage
- Overdose
- Death
Long-term morphine use and abuse significantly increase the risks associated with this medication.
Without further ado, let’s compare methadone vs. morphine for pain management and see how these prescription opioids differ.
Key Differences Between Methadone vs. Morphine
One of the key differences between methadone vs. morphine is potency. Compared to morphine, methadone is roughly ten times more potent. However, it is unique in that its potency varies based on the patient’s opioid exposure.
Let’s dissect other differences between methadone vs. morphine:
Methadone vs. Morphine: Effectiveness in Pain Management
Methadone is generally more effective than morphine in managing pain, which may be attributed to its greater potency and longer duration of action.
Researchers from Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Medical School suggest that methadone is not only superior to morphine in controlling chronic pain but also causes side effects less frequently.
It’s important to note that the duration of morphine effects depends on its formulation. Short-acting types of morphine relieve pain for up to four hours, while extended-release formulations exert effects for up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, methadone is a long-acting opioid that relieves pain for up to 36 hours.
Chemical Composition
The main difference in methadone vs. morphine chemical composition lies in the fact that, unlike morphine, methadone is a synthetic opioid. While morphine is an alkaloid that naturally occurs in poppy plants, methadone is created in laboratories to mimic the effects of natural opioids—or opiates—like morphine without containing them.
Furthermore, morphine also comes in an immediate-release formulation. Therefore, it has a faster onset of effects and is more suitable for acute pain than methadone.
Addictiveness
Methadone and morphine are both highly addictive. As such, they are both treated as Schedule II controlled substances and can only be obtained by prescription.
However, methadone taken specifically for pain medication generally has a slower onset of action and is less likely to cause intense euphoria than morphine.
Cost
Morphine tends to cost less than methadone. However, the cost of methadone vs. morphine largely depends on the formulation, the strength of your prescription, insurance coverage, and other factors. Generic versions of both drugs tend to be cheaper and covered by insurance.
For comparison, a generic 10 mg/mL methadone injectable solution costs around $445 per 20 milliliters, whereas a generic 50 mg/mL morphine injectable solution is almost 18 times cheaper; it costs around $25 per 20 milliliters.
Methadone vs. Morphine Overdose
Both methadone and morphine expose patients to a high risk of opioid overdose, a life-threatening emergency that may have fatal consequences if not treated quickly. Since methadone is typically more potent than morphine, it could cause an overdose at lower doses.
Opioid abuse, i.e., taking methadone or morphine in any way other than prescribed, tremendously increases the risk of overdose.
If you or someone around you is displaying the signs of an opioid overdose—loss of consciousness, slowed breathing, pinpoint pupils, and so forth—call 911 immediately.
Next, let’s discuss the side effects of methadone vs. morphine.
Methadone vs. Morphine: Side Effects
Methadone and morphine have similar side effect profiles and may cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
Although the aforementioned study by researchers from Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Medical School found that methadone is associated with fewer side effects than morphine, it also found that it causes nausea more frequently than morphine.
If you experience any side effects after taking methadone or morphine, talk to your doctor. Since both medications can cause drowsiness, you might have to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking them. In case of serious side effects, such as breathing problems or allergic reactions, seek medical help immediately.
Methadone and Morphine: Drug Interactions
Common methadone and morphine drug interactions include:
- Antibiotics
- Barbiturates
- Other opioids
- Antipsychotics
- Antihistamines
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleep medications
- Seizure medications
This list is by no means extensive. Do not mix opioids with alcohol or other CNS depressants, as this can dangerously suppress your breathing and lead to an overdose.
Mixing methadone or morphine with other substances, including herbal remedies, can increase the risk of severe side effects, overdose, and other adverse reactions. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking to ensure they won’t interact with opioids.
Physical Dependence and Addiction to Opioids
Physical dependence and addiction to opioids are among the greatest risks of using methadone or morphine for pain management. Although these conditions often occur simultaneously, this isn’t always the case; many people dependent on opioids, including those taking methadone for OUD treatment, aren’t addicted to them.
Physical dependence results from prolonged opioid exposure, which causes the brain to cease producing endorphins in exchange for more opioid receptors. Simply put, people dependent on opioids have to take them to function normally.
Meanwhile, opioid addiction is a predominantly psychological condition. Those addicted to opioids face an uncontrollable urge to take them. Sadly, they cannot stop taking them, even when it ruins their personal or professional lives. Treating opioid dependence is key to preventing opioid addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Dependence
Opioid dependence is characterized by:
- Tolerance. As the brain starts to create more and more opioid receptors, your tolerance to opioids gradually grows. This explains why your initial dose eventually becomes less effective, prompting you to increase the dosage. If you notice you’ve developed a higher tolerance to opioids, do not take more of them to achieve the desired effect; this can lead to an overdose. Instead, consult with your doctor.
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms. People dependent on opioids suffer muscle aches, sweating, depression, nausea, insomnia, and other uncomfortable psychological and physical symptoms upon drug cessation. Quitting opioids without medical supervision is not only extremely difficult but also dangerous. Seek professional help to reduce the risk of complications and increase the chances of a lasting recovery.
ANR Treatment for Opioid Dependency
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is a revolutionary opioid dependence treatment developed by Dr. Andre Waismann. It is the first and only treatment that rebalances the endorphin system, facilitating long-lasting recovery.
ANR treatment is performed in an ICU setting of fully accredited hospitals with state-of-the-art medical equipment. The patient is sedated during the procedure, which minimizes discomfort. To ensure utmost patient safety, the treatment is carried out by a team of highly experienced healthcare professionals, including anesthesiologists and critical care physicians.
How ANR Differs from Methadone Treatments
ANR differs from methadone treatments in that it addresses the underlying causes of opioid dependence instead of merely treating its symptoms.
While MAT simply substitutes one opioid for another, ANR reverses the damage prolonged opioid exposure inflicts on the brain by re-regulating the endorphin-receptor system. Since it attacks the problem at its very root, ANR eliminates the risk of ongoing withdrawal symptoms, thereby negating the risk of relapse.
After undergoing ANR, you won’t have to rely on opioid replacement drugs, such as methadone. This comprehensive treatment can help you return to an opioid-free life, even if you’ve been struggling with dependence for years.
3 Major Benefits of Undergoing ANR Treatment
Some key benefits of undergoing ANR include long-term results, a personalized approach, and short treatment duration.
Let’s explore these advantages in greater detail:
#1. Long-Term Results
Unlike other opioid treatment programs, ANR fosters long-term success by restoring normal brain function. The treatment not only cleanses and blocks opioid receptors but also allows the body to resume normal endorphin production.
By addressing the neurochemical causes of opioid dependence, ANR negates the risk of cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to forget about the fear of relapse.
ANR boasts an exceptionally high success rate. As of today, it has helped close to 25,000 people worldwide put an end to opioid dependence quickly, safely, and effectively.
#2. Personalized Approach
ANR isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Instead, it offers a personalized approach to opioid dependence treatment by tailoring the treatment plan to each patient’s unique medical history and needs.
Consequently, ANR is suitable for most people. It can be safely performed even on those with co-occurring health conditions, such as heart or liver disease.
#3. Short Treatment Duration
While MAT can take months, years, and sometimes even decades and still doesn’t guarantee lasting results, ANR can enable you to overcome opioid dependence within a matter of days. The ANR procedure lasts 4–6 hours on average. Better yet, the hospital stay for most of our patients lasts only around 36 hours.
Ready to conquer opioid dependence once and for all? Contact us today and schedule a free, 100% confidential consultation!
Key Takeaways
If you’re choosing between methadone vs. morphine for pain management, your best option is to consult with your doctor.
However, opioid therapy comes with considerable risks, such as dependence and addiction. Therefore, you should only opt for it if all other options fail.
Let’s summarize what we covered today:
- Methadone is a long-acting opioid used to relieve severe pain, whereas morphine is a short- or long-acting opioid prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain. Methadone is also used in OUD treatment, but it doesn’t make it any safer.
- Methadone is more potent and effective in managing pain than morphine, but it can lead to a fatal overdose at lower doses.
- If you’re struggling with methadone or morphine dependence, ANR can help you overcome it safely and successfully within days by restoring normal brain function.
Methadone vs. Morphine FAQ
Methadone may be used instead of morphine when patients do not tolerate morphine or suffer from pain that cannot be managed with it. John van den Anker from the University of Basel also suggests that methadone may be a better alternative to morphine for neonatal pain treatment. Nonetheless, both of these opioids carry significant risks, including overdose.
Methadone does not show up as morphine on drug tests. Standard drug tests don’t typically detect methadone, as it only shows up on drug screens specifically developed to detect it.
Methadone is not a morphine agonist, but it is an opioid agonist. While both methadone and morphine are μ-opioid receptor agonists, methadone also exerts some agonist effects on the κ- and σ-opioid receptors.
Methadone can show up on a mouth swab. Even though methadone stays in saliva for several days and can be detected in saliva samples within 30 minutes after use, saliva tests aren’t commonly used to detect it.
