We at Recovery Society understand that this subject is very fragile and controversial. In this article, you will read facts, not opinions on the dangerous side effects of methadone use and abuse.
Methadone, along with Suboxone and Subutex, has a purpose: to a) help with opiate withdrawal and b) relieve pain. All three of these medications have been labeled by many as the “miracle drugs”; they can be if used in moderation. However, there is a major problem throughout our communities with methadone maintenance and abuse. When patients are told that they will have to be on methadone for a long period of time, they are normally not told about the dangerous side effects of methadone that come along with the use.
The Side Effects of Methadone
Less severe side effects of methadone (as listed by WebMD):
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Low blood pressure
- Getting sick or throwing up
- Not feeling well or feeling weak
- Drowsiness
- Infrequence or non-existent bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Problems with your eyesight
- Head pain
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
More severe side effects of methadone (as listed by WebMD):
- Withdrawal
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion
- Decrease in lung function
- Slow heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Hallucination
- Hives
- Itching
- Rash
- Seizures
- Shock
Methadone Recovery
Recovery is the greatest gift to yourself. When you take that strong leap towards the journey of recovery, you’ve got to prepare yourself for a major life change: a life without the use of drugs or alcohol. When you decide to get on methadone to better your life, you should also think about how you’re going to get off of it, at some point. You should always plan your exit strategy before taking any narcotic based drug. If you find yourself not being able to stop taking methadone or that you are starting to experience the side effects of methadone that are listed above, call for help today. DO NOT STOP TAKING IT COLD TURKEY ON YOUR OWN. Call Recovery Society for a methadone detox and treatment plan for you at (866) 323-6590.
