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Methadone Side Effects on the Body

Medically Reviewed by: Charley Allen

Table of Contents

Methadone Side Effects

Abuse of prescription opioids is a growing problem. The number of methadone pain pills distributed now exceeds liquid methadone used in opioid treatment. Learn about the methadone side effects on the body.

Methadone is part of a category called opioids. It was created by German doctors during World War II. When it arrived in the United States, it was used to treat people with extreme pain. Today, your doctor may use it as part of your treatment for an addiction to heroin or narcotic painkillers.

It works a lot like morphine does. You can take it as a tablet, a powder, or a liquid. It must be prescribed by a doctor. People who take it illegally often inject it, which exposes them to diseases like HIV.  Even though it’s safer than some other narcotics, your doctor should keep a close watch on you while you take Methadone. Taking it can lead to addiction or abuse.

What are the Side Effects of Methadone Abuse?

Methadone changes the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain so that you feel relief.  Methadone helps if you’re in treatment for addiction to other opioids. It can give a similar feeling and prevent withdrawal symptoms. You may hear this called replacement therapy. Methadone replaces the opioids in your system with milder effects.

The Main Side Effects of Methadone are:

With short-term use, you may notice:

  • Restlessness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Slow breathing
  • Itchy skin
  • Heavy sweating
  • Constipation
  • Sexual problems

Some methadone side effects are more serious. Call the doctor if you:

  • Have trouble breathing or can only take shallow breaths
  • Feel lightheaded or faint
  • Get hives or a rash
  • Have swollen lips, tongue, throat, or face
  • Have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat
  • Have hallucinations or feel confused

If you use the drug for a long time, it might lead to lung and breathing problems. It can also change a woman’s menstrual cycle. If you get pregnant, talk to your doctor about changing your dose. It can cause complications.

What are the risks of Methadone?

In addition to the Methadone side effects mentioned above, some people cannot take Methadone at all.  Consult your physician if you have:

  • Heart disease
  • Heart rhythm disorder
  • An imbalance of electrolytes
  • Lung disease or breathing problems
  • History of head injuries, seizures or a brain tumor
  • Liver or Kidney disease
  • A problem urinating
  • Thyroid, Gallbladder or Pancreas issues
  • If you are taking sedatives
  • Addiction – your brain may begin to rely on the pain relief it provides

Methadone Statistics

  • In 2012, almost 2.5 million people over the age of 12 reported abusing Methadone in their lifetime–marking an increase from 2.1 million in 2011.
  • In 2011, more than 65,000 emergency room visits were related to Methadone use.
  • From 1999 to 2005, Methadone overdose deaths increased by about 460%.

Design for Recovery is a reputable halfway house in Los Angeles that provides comprehensive addiction treatment to individuals struggling with substance abuse. Methadone is a medication commonly used to treat opioid addiction, but it also comes with a range of side effects. Some of the common methadone side effects on the body include constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. Methadone can also lead to more severe side effects, such as irregular heartbeats, seizures, and difficulty breathing. At Design for Recovery, residents are closely monitored by trained professionals to ensure that any side effects are addressed promptly and effectively. Our team works to create individualized treatment plans for each resident to minimize any potential side effects and support their overall recovery journey.

 Take control of your life today and join Design For Recovery sober living homes!

Sources:

What is Methadone?

Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts

Deadiversion Drug Methadone

Cesar Drugs Methadone

Author

Edited by: David Beasley

David Beasley - Design for Recovery

RADT
David Beasley is a certified RADT (Registered Alcohol/Drug Technician). David, moved to California from North Carolina after many failed attempts to get sober.

Medically Reviewed by: Charley Allen
IMG-1545

LMFT
Charley earned his Masters of Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, and is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).He teaches mindfulness to both adults and children in group setting such as schools, corporate workplaces, and medical treatment facilities.

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