Methadone Side Effects & History

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Methadone is the first medication to be be used widely for treatment of opioid dependence and addiction and has been used for decades to treat people who are addicted to heroin and narcotic pain medicines.  Methadone has been used for chronic pain control as well.  When taken as prescribed, it is safe and effective. It allows people to recover from their addiction and to reclaim active and meaningful lives.  Methadone is offered in pill, liquid, and wafer forms and is taken once a day.

Patients taking methadone to treat opioid addiction must receive the medication under the supervision of a physician. After a period of stability (based on progress and proven, consistent compliance with the medication dosage), patients may be allowed to take methadone at home between program visits. By law, methadone can only be dispensed through an opioid treatment program (OTP) certified by SAMHSA.

Since the introduction of Buprenorphine, the use of Methadone has declined.  This is probably due to the greater safety profile for Buprenorphine and its increasing use by primary care physicians obviating the need for daily visits to a methadone clinic.

How Does Methadone Work?

Methadone is a long-acting opioid which has a gradual onset of action.  Because its effects last for 24-36 hours it can be taken less frequently.  Patients generally do not experience euphoria and because of the prolonged occupation of receptors cravings are reduced.  It also acts to block the effects of other opiate drugs such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Methadone Safety

Other medications may interact with methadone and cause heart problems. Even after the effects of methadone wear off, the medication’s active ingredients remain in the body for much longer and therefore taking more methadone can cause unintentional overdose.

Side Effects of Methadone

Side effects should be taken seriously, as some of them may indicate an emergency. Patients should stop taking methadone and contact a doctor or emergency services right away if they:

• Experience difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
• Feel lightheaded or faint
• Experience hives or a rash; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Feel chest pain
• Experience a fast or pounding heartbeat
• Experience hallucinations or confusion