Methadone is a narcotic prescription medication used to treat symptoms of withdrawal from opioid addiction. Common opiates include heroin, morphine and Oxycontin. Some symptoms of opioid withdrawal include anxiety, agitation, sweating, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches. Methadone can treats pain when other medications have failed. When taken in greater than appropriate dosage, methadone overdose occurs with serious and life-threatening consequences.
Respiratory Symptoms
A very serious and potentially life-threatening complication of methadone is a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the lungs. This happens since methadone causes a decrease in respiration rate and subsequently decreases oxygen movement into the lungs. Respiratory depression can cause pain on breathing as well as seizures. Respiratory arrest--a potentially fatal condition where the respiratory system shuts down--can result from a methadone overdose.
Stomach Problems
Severe vomiting that leads to deficiencies of body chemicals and nutrients and a general feeling of being weak and sick, can result from a methadone overdose. Methadone can also cause constipation when taken appropriately as well as in excessive. Patients on methadone and other opiates advise to take stool softeners to prevent constipation, however, in an overdose situation, the stool softeners may prove insufficient in preventing constipation, thus requiring medical intervention for treatment. Methadone also causes abdominal pain and nausea that can become unpleasant and lead to decreased appetite and nourishment of the body.
Sedation and Dizziness
The National Institute of Health warns that over-dosage of Methadone can cause sedation and fatality. In appropriate doses, methadone can also cause dizziness. In an overdose situation, these effects are exaggerated and can become life threatening. Excessive dizziness and drowsiness can also cause lack of concentration and coordination in patients, leading to other injuries. Patient who become lightheaded and drowsy from the overdose effect of methadone also become prone to falls and injuries from falls.
Heart Problems
An overdose of methadone can change the functioning of the heart. Patients who take an excessive amount of methadone can die from the effects that the medication exerts on their heart. Methadone overdose can cause a fatal heart attack, as well as change the pattern and rate of the heartbeat by causing irregularities in the heart muscles. Unconsciousness due to these symptoms can also result. Methadone overdose also causes the heart muscles to weaken and lose their ability to function properly. A failure of the heart to function properly can lead to pulmonary edema, a condition where the lungs fills up with fluid, resulting in chest pain, difficulty breathing and palpitations.
Skin
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), methadone overdose can lead to the skin, nails and lips turning 'blue,' as well as increased sweating and cold skin.
