Role of Methadone in Induction and/or Exacerbation of Cluster Headache in Patients Treated for Opioid Addiction

Therapie. 2015 May-Jun;70(3):305-7. doi: 10.2515/therapie/2014211. Epub 2014 Dec 10.

Abstract

Methadone is a potent opioid agonist widely used in opioid maintenance therapy. In some countries, methadone is available for pain treatment. We report the cases of two patients with history of substance abuse (mainly heroin), who presented with cluster headache possibly related to high-dose methadone. One possible explanation for the severe pain described in these cases is hyperalgesia induced by high doses of methadone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cluster Headache / chemically induced*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Heroin Dependence / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / administration & dosage
  • Methadone / adverse effects*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / adverse effects
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / methods

Substances

  • Methadone