Signs of Methadone addiction and abuse

Common signs and side effects of methadone use

The most common side effects of methadone are:

• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• weakness
• euphoria
• dry mouth
• urinary retention
• constipation
• slow or troubled breathing

Less common side effects of methadone use

Some occasional side effects are:

• allergic reactions
• skin rash, hives, itching
• headache, dizziness, impaired concentration, sensation of drunkenness, confusion, depression
• blurred or double vision
• facial flushing, sweating, heart palpitation
• nausea and vomiting

Rare side effects of methadone use

The least common side effects of methadone use are:

• anaphylactic reactions
• hypotension causing weakness and fainting
• disorientation
• hallucinations
• unstable gait
• tremor, muscle twitching
• myasthenia gravis

Common symptoms of methadone overdose

The symptoms of a methadone overdose include:

• Body as a whole
  • muscle spasticity
• Respiratory
  • difficulty breathing
  • slow, shallow and labored breathing
  • stopped breathing (sometimes fatal within 2-4 hours)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • pinpoint pupils
  • bluish skin
  • bluish fingernails and lips
• Gastrointestinal
  • spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
  • constipation
• Heart and blood vessels
  • weak pulse
  • low blood pressure
• Nervous system
  • drowsiness
  • disorientation
  • coma

• marked drowsiness
• confusion
• tremors
• convulsions
• stupor leading to coma
• cold and clammy skin
• hypotension
• bradycardia

Methadone Detoxification

For detoxification treatment, methadone is administered under close supervision. During detoxification a patient may receive methadone when there are symptoms of withdrawal. Such symptoms are sneezing, yawning, tearing of eyes, runny nose, excessive perspiration, fever, dilated pupils, abdominal cramps, nausea, body aches, tremors and irritability. After several days of stabilizing a patient with methadone, the amount is gradually decreased. The rate at which it is decreased is dependent on the reaction of the individual . . . keeping withdrawal symptoms at a tolerable level is the goal.

Methadone addiction treatment programs

Methadone is a highly addictive prescription drugs. Recovery and rehabilitation from methadone addiction may require a treatment program ranging from certified addiction counseling to treatment at a residential alcohol and drug rehab center, depending on the extent of the addiction and a number of other factors.

Call our admissions counselors, toll free, at 1-877-465-8080 for more information on treatment program options.

Methadone Information