AEMCA Practice Exam

What is the primary clinical use for methadone?

1. Pain management

2. Opioid detoxification

3. Antidepressant therapy

4. Cardiac arrhythmia treatment

The correct answer is: Opioid detoxification

Methadone's primary clinical use revolves around opioid detoxification and maintenance therapy for individuals with opioid use disorder. It is a long-acting synthetic opioid that helps diminish withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with the cessation of more potent opioids, making it an effective part of addiction treatment programs. Methadone enables patients to stabilize their lives while they undergo comprehensive addiction treatment, allowing for gradual tapering off of opioids. In this context, while methadone can be used for pain management, especially in chronic pain scenarios, its most recognized and critical role is in the treatment of opioid dependence. Options related to antidepressants and cardiac conditions are not relevant to methadone's primary applications, as it does not serve those therapeutic purposes.