Methadone can be a dangerous drug in part because it is used to manage the symptoms of withdrawal from other narcotic addictions. As a result, an addiction to methadone can quickly replace your prior addiction. Further, since methadone is an opioid, it is a narcotic and highly-addictive substance on its own with many adverse and potentially harmful side effects.
Methadone is a prescription drug and painkiller, and its prescription nature and low-price often make it easier for individuals to access the drug and become dependent. The drug’s availability coupled with its powerful narcotic effects — euphoria, sedation and warmth — also make it highly susceptible to misuse and addiction.
While the drug does not replicate the high associated with other forms of narcotic drugs, users will often want to repeat the effects of methadone. This makes detox from methadone followed immediately by comprehensive therapy and individualized rehab necessary for individuals to break the cycle of dependency and addiction. Bayview Recovery can supervise your detox and ensure you have everything you need to recover from methadone use.
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Vision changes
- Changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle
- Constipation
- Reduced libido
- Weight changes
Methadone’s Long-Term Side Effects
Methadone also has many adverse side effects if used long-term. They include:
- Altered breathing or pulse
- Cognitive changes
- Fatigue
- Respiratory and lung complications
- Sleeping issues
- Bloody urine or stools
- Drowsiness
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Swelling
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
- Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Vitamin deficiencies
Methadone’s Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as eight hours after you stop taking methadone and can continue for up to four days. These harmful side effects, which resemble flu-like symptoms, include:
- Aches or cramping in extremities, especially the legs
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Excessive yawning
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Higher body temperature
- Increased breathing rate
- Increased heart rate
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Insomnia
- Involuntary twitching
- Irritability
- Nausea or vomiting
- Restlessness
- Runny nose
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Watery eyes
How Bayview Recovery Can Help You Overcome Your Methadone Dependency
You will need professional help to overcome your methadone dependence due to its narcotic nature. While not as powerful as other opiates, many users will still be unable to stop using or manage their withdrawal symptoms on their own, and attempting to do so could put their health in greater jeopardy.
By receiving tailored treatment, you increase your chances of ending your dependency and achieving long-term wellbeing. Our facility’s high staff-to-patient ratio helps ensure you have the hands-on care they need throughout your stay. Bayview Recovery can quickly confirm your insurance and get you started on the road to recovery, so you don’t have to suffer another day.
Call 855.478.3650 today to speak to one of Bayview Recovery’s knowledgeable representatives about your methadone recovery options. When you do, you’ll discover what makes Bayview Recovery different. Bayview Recovery will stand by you, from your first call until you recover.