methadone side effects
Methadone Side Effects
If you were looking for more information on suboxone, an alternative to methadone, CLICK HERE
Methadone side effects are the same as other opioids. Methadone (some people say metadon) and Suboxone (buprenorphine) are both opioids. One will become physically dependent to either medication. Methadone side effects are very similar to Suboxone (buprenorphine). The major methadone side effects and those of this class of these medications include:
- Constipation
- Sedation (tired)
- Dizziness
- Impaired driving
- Decreased reaction time
- Nausea
- Light headednesss
While Suboxone can cause a person to have respiratory depression (stop breathing), this usually only happens when it is combined with alcohol or other sedatives such as Xanax or Valium. Methadone side effects, however, are quite fatal in overdose from respiratory depression. Death from overdose is not uncommon. In addition, Methadone tends to cause more and more sedation and impairment at higher doses, while Suboxone seems to have a “ceiling effect.” Therefore, Suboxone is less abused and can be prescribed in physicians offices rather than in a full-blown “treatment center.”
People will have the same opioid withdrawals from either medication. The typical withdrawals from opioids and other methadone side effects include:
- Sweating
- Cramping
- Aches and Pains
- Goose Bumps
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Pupil Dilation
- Fever
Methadone side effects are perceived as so severe, that the addict usually ends up using narcotics again before they have completed the worst of the withdrawals over 3-5 days. Withdrawal is usually not deadly, but this depends on the prior medical and psychiatric status of the person. There are many effective medications that can be used to help someone withdraw from methadone or Suboxone, but with the relapse rate of these drugs at 95%, one needs to consider staying on Suboxone long-term. Only you can determine with your doctor if this is the right choice.
Find Suboxone Doctors:
If you feel you need help and are looking for a doctor who prescribes Suboxone, click here for our buprenophine physician registry. If you think you may need more intensive treatment such a methadone detox, other opioid detox, or getting started on buprenorphine inpatient, click here for our state opioid treatment center registry.
Here is more information you may be interested in:
- How to Minimize the Pain and Discomfort of Methadone Withdrawal by … – It has been my experience to say that methadone withdrawal is one of the hardest withdrawals I have ever been through and trust me I am a recovering heroin addict and I have been through a number of drug rehabs as well as stay at home …
