Methadone: what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Methadone is a great anesthetic and an  opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic because it reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs without causing the “high” associated with drug addiction.

In addition, it  is used as a pain reliever and as part of detoxification programs and drug addiction maintenance. It is only available at certified pharmacies. You should not use  it if you have severe asthma or breathing problems, or a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

Methadone can slow or stop breathing and can be addictive. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE VIRUS, OVERLAY, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using this medicine without a prescription.

Taking this medication during pregnancy can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medication  with alcohol  or with other medications  that cause drowsiness or slow breathing.

Methadone can cause a life – threatening heart rhythm disorder. Call your doctor right away if you have a headache with chest pain and severe dizziness and a fast or racing heartbeat.

Precautions Before Taking Methadone:

You should not use methadone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• Severe asthma or breathing problems; or
• A blockage in your stomach or intestines.

Methadone can cause a life – threatening heart rhythm disorder. Your heart function may need to be checked during treatment. Some medications can interact with and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Make sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medications  , herbal products, or medication for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s, migraines, serious infections, or preventing nausea  and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes to how or when you take your medications .

Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had:

• Heart problems, long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
• Breathing problems or lung disease;
• A head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
• Drug or alcohol addiction  or mental illness;
• Liver or kidney disease;
• Urination problems;
• Problems with your gallbladder, pancreas or thyroid or
• If you use a sedative like Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax and others).

If I miss a dose of methadone?

• Methadone for pain: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then take the next dose 8 to 12 hours later.
• If you take methadone for drug addiction: Take your dose the next day at the regular time. If you miss your doses for more than 3 days in a row, call your doctor for instructions.
• It may be necessary to restart with a lower dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

If I overdose on methadone?

Seek medical attention if you overdose on methadone, as it can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the drug  without a prescription. Overdose symptoms can include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold, clammy skin , sharp pupils, and fainting.

What should I avoid when using methadone?

Do not drink alcohol . Dangerous side effects or death can occur with methadone use . Also, it  can impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine  will affect you. Severe dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents or serious injury.

Methadone side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Like other  opioid medications , methadone can slow your breathing. Death can occur if breathing becomes too weak.

A person who cares for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue lips, or if you find it difficult to wake up. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Weak or shallow breathing;
• severe constipation ;
• A dizzy feeling, as if you were going to pass out;
• Symptoms of a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder – a headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, and a fast or racing heartbeat
• Low cortisol levels – nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, tiredness or weakness.

What other drugs will affect the effects of methadone?

Narcotic (opioid) medication can interact with many other medications  and cause dangerous side effects or death. Make sure your doctor knows if you also use:

• Other narcotic medications  – opioid pain medicine or prescribed cough medicine;
• Drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing – a sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, sedative, tranquilizer, or antipsychotic medication
• Drugs that affect the levels of serotonin in your body – drugs for depression, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, serious infections, or preventing nausea and vomiting.

Other information:

Remember to keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications  with others, and use methadone only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.