Methadone Side Effects

Methadone Uses

This medication is employed in managing opioid use disorder as an authorized treatment regimen component. Methadone is classified as an opioid analgesic, effectively mitigating withdrawal symptoms that ensue when discontinuing the use of other opioids.

How To Use Methadone HCL Tablet, Soluble

Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this medication orally. You can consume it with or without food. If you experience nausea, having it with food might alleviate the discomfort. If you encounter nausea, you can also inquire with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about alternative methods to reduce it, such as lying down for 1 to 2 hours with minimal head movement.

Do not chew or swallow the tablets. Instead, dissolve the prescribed dose in 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of water or an acidic fruit beverage (e.g., orange juice) before consumption. Consume the entire mixture immediately. If there is any residual medication in the container, add a small amount of liquid and consume the entire mixture. Do not prepare doses in advance; you should not attempt injecting this medication.

Suppose you’re using this medication to manage moderate to severe pain. In that case, adhering to a regular schedule as prescribed by your healthcare provider rather than taking it as needed for sudden or breakthrough pain is crucial.

The appropriate dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment.

Abruptly discontinuing this medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms, mainly if used for an extended duration or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce your dosage. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, alterations in mental or mood state (including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or thoughts of suicide), watery eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, excessive sweating, muscle discomfort, or sudden shifts in behavior, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use this medication for an extended period, its effectiveness may diminish. If you notice a decline in efficacy, discussing this with your doctor is essential.

While this medication benefits many individuals, it carries a potential risk of addiction, which may be heightened if you have a history of substance use disorder, such as excessive drug or alcohol use. It’s imperative to adhere precisely to the prescribed dosage to minimize the risk of addiction. Discontinuing methadone maintenance treatment can substantially increase the risk of returning to opioid abuse, so it’s important to seek additional information from your doctor or pharmacist.

If your condition doesn’t improve or worsens, please inform your doctor.

Methadone Side Effects

While taking this medication, you might experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, or sweating. Over time, some of these side effects may lessen as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, it’s essential to inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To mitigate the risk of constipation, consider incorporating dietary fiber into your diet, staying adequately hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity. Your pharmacist can also recommend an appropriate laxative if needed.

To minimize the chances of dizziness and lightheadedness, make a deliberate effort to rise slowly when transitioning from a seated or reclined position.

Remember that your healthcare provider has prescribed this medication because they have assessed that the benefits outweigh the potential side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not experience severe side effects.

Immediately inform your doctor if you experience any severe side effects, including but not limited to:

1. Sleep disturbances are characterized by interrupted breathing (sleep apnea).
2. Alterations in mental state or mood, such as restlessness, confusion, or hallucinations.
3. Abdominal pain or discomfort.
4. Difficulty urinating.
5. Indications of impaired adrenal gland function include decreased appetite, unusual fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.

In the event of very severe side effects, seek immediate medical assistance. These may include:

1. Seizures.
2. Unusual and extreme drowsiness or difficulty awakening.

Although extremely rare, a severe allergic reaction to this medication is possible. If you notice any symptoms indicative of a severe allergic reaction, promptly seek medical attention. Such symptoms may encompass:

1. Skin rash.
2. Itching or swelling, particularly of the face, tongue, or throat.
3. Profound dizziness.
4. Breathing difficulties.

Methadone Risks

Methadone carries a substantial risk of abuse and can potentially lead to severe, even life-threatening, respiratory and cardiac issues. These complications are more likely to occur when initiating methadone treatment, switching from another opioid to methadone, or when there’s an increase in the prescribed dose. It’s important to note that breathing problems from methadone may not manifest immediately after a dose. Most cases of cardiac problems have arisen in individuals using high methadone doses for pain management. However, this concern can also arise in those on smaller doses for opioid addiction treatment. It’s crucial not to exceed the prescribed dose or take this medication more frequently than directed. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusual symptoms like slow or shallow breathing, rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the availability of naloxone for treating opioid overdose. It’s also advisable to educate your family or household members on recognizing signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond to it.

For women of childbearing age, it’s essential to discuss with their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of methadone treatment. Pregnancy can affect the drug’s metabolism in your body, so it’s vital to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. During pregnancy, methadone should be used only when necessary. It may slightly increase the risk of birth defects if used during the first two months of pregnancy, and using it in high doses near the expected delivery date can harm the unborn baby. The smallest effective dose should be taken for the shortest duration possible to minimize these risks. Babies born to mothers who have used methadone for an extended period may exhibit severe withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, such as incessant crying, slow or shallow breathing, irritability, trembling, vomiting, diarrhea, poor feeding, or difficulty gaining weight, notify the doctor immediately.

To prevent theft, misuse, or abuse, store this medication securely. If a child accidentally ingests this drug, seek medical assistance without delay.

Methadone Warnings

Before initiating methadone treatment, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies, including allergies to methadone itself or other substances. This medication may contain inactive ingredients capable of triggering allergic reactions or other complications. Seek advice from your pharmacist for additional information.

Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of the following conditions:

1. Brain disorders such as head injury, tumors, or seizures.
2. Respiratory issues like asthma, sleep apnea, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
3. Kidney or liver disease.
4. Mental or mood disorders like confusion, depression, or thoughts of suicide.
5. Personal or family history of substance use disorders, including drug or alcohol overuse or addiction.
6. Gastrointestinal problems include blockages, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, or paralytic ileus.
7. Difficulty urinating, potentially due to an enlarged prostate.
8. Pancreatic disease, including pancreatitis.
9. Gallbladder disease.

Be aware that this medication may induce dizziness or drowsiness. The use of alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can exacerbate these effects. Refrain from operating machinery, driving, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can safely do so. Avoid alcoholic beverages, and discuss your marijuana (cannabis) use with your doctor.

Methadone can potentially lead to a heart rhythm condition known as QT prolongation, which may rarely result in a serious (and rarely fatal) fast or irregular heartbeat, along with other symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting that necessitate immediate medical attention.

The risk of QT prolongation may be elevated if you have specific medical conditions or are taking other medications that can cause QT prolongation. Before using methadone, provide your doctor or pharmacist with a comprehensive list of all the drugs you are currently taking and inform them if you have any of the following conditions:

1. Certain heart conditions, including heart failure, a slow heartbeat, or evidence of QT prolongation in an electrocardiogram (EKG).
2. A family history of specific heart issues, including QT prolongation in an EKG or sudden cardiac death.

Inadequate levels of potassium or magnesium in your bloodstream can heighten the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may become more significant when using specific medications (such as diuretics or “water pills”) or dealing with conditions such as intense sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. It’s imperative to discuss with your doctor about the safe use of methadone in such circumstances.

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, inform your doctor and dentist about all the substances you use, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products.

Older adults may exhibit heightened sensitivity to the effects of this medication, particularly in terms of confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, and the risk of QT prolongation (as described above).

While pregnant, employ this medication exclusively if it is unequivocally essential. There is potential harm to an unborn baby, so it is crucial to have a comprehensive discussion with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Please refer to the Warning section for additional information.

This medication transfers into breast milk and might adversely affect a nursing infant. If your baby displays unusual drowsiness, difficulties with feeding, or breathing issues, notify your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor for guidance before breastfeeding or if you intend to discontinue breastfeeding.

Methadone Interactions

Interactions with other drugs can alter how your medications function and potentially elevate the risk of severe side effects. This document does not encompass all conceivable drug interactions. Maintain a record of all your products, including prescription over-the-counter and herbal products. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist. Never commence, cease, or modify the dosage of any medications without obtaining your doctor’s approval.

Certain products that may interact with this medication include pain relievers (mixed opioid agonist-antagonists like butorphanol, nalbuphine, and pentazocine), naltrexone, and samidorphan.

Combining MAO inhibitors with this medication can result in a severe (potentially fatal) drug interaction. During your treatment with this medication, abstain from taking any MAO inhibitors (examples include isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine). In most cases, MAO inhibitors should not be taken for two weeks before or after using this medication. Seek guidance from your doctor regarding the appropriate timing for initiating or discontinuing MAO inhibitors.

Additional medications can impact the elimination of methadone from your body, affecting its efficacy. Examples encompass St. John’s wort, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin), rifamycins (including rifampin), and drugs prescribed for seizures (such as carbamazepine), among others.

The potential for severe side effects (e.g., slow or shallow breathing, profound drowsiness, dizziness) may escalate if this medication is used concurrently with other products that can also influence breathing or induce drowsiness. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other substances such as alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), allergy or cold medications, sleep aids or anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and psychiatric medications (such as risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone). Your medications or their dosages may need to be adjusted accordingly.

This medication can disrupt specific laboratory tests, like amylase and lipase levels, potentially leading to inaccurate test outcomes. It is essential to ensure that the laboratory staff and all your medical providers know your use of this medication.

Methadone Overdose

In the event of an overdose with severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing, administer naloxone if accessible and immediately dial 911. If the individual is conscious and without symptoms, promptly contact a poison control center.

Methadone Imprints

Below is a dosage chart providing information about Methadone dosage ranges, imprints, color, shape, and tablet versus capsule classification.