Methadone is a prescription narcotic (opiate) medication indicated to help reduce moderate to severe pain. This medication can also be used to help drug treatment patients overcome narcotic addictions. Take this medication only as prescribed by your doctor as this medication can be habit-forming if used improperly. Discuss the side effects of taking methadone with your doctor or drug treatment counselor before you begin using this medication.
Respiratory or Heart Rate Irregularities
While taking methadone, you are at an increased risk of experiencing potentially life-threatening respiratory or heart rate irregularities, warn health officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Contact your primary care physician immediately if you experience shallow, slow breathing, shortness of breath, an abnormally fast or slow heart rate or a pounding heartbeat, after taking a dose of methadone.
Fatigue
Patients taking methadone can experience excessive fatigue or drowsiness as a side effect of treatment, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. You may become tired or fall asleep shortly after taking a dose of this medication. Care should be taken when driving a car or participating in potentially hazardous activities, as taking methadone can have a negative impact on your ability to remain focused and alert. Certain patients also experience unusual sensations of weakness in conjunction with fatigue during methadone treatment.
Dizziness
You can experience abnormal sensations of dizziness or lightheadedness as a side effect of methadone treatment. These sensations can cause to feel unstable when you walk and may contribute to additional side effects, including weakness or headache. Contact your doctor immediately if you continue to experience severe dizziness or become unusually confused, agitated or disoriented.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset can occur as a side effect in certain patients taking methadone. Symptoms of stomach upset can include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain. You may also find it difficult to have a bowel movement (constipation), which may contribute to the emergence of abdominal cramping, pain or bloating. Certain patients also experience dry mouth or appetite or weight changes during methadone treatment, explain health professionals at Medline Plus, an informational medical website provided by the National Institutes of Health.
Sexual Changes
While taking methadone, you might notice a decrease in your usual sexual drive or desire (libido). Both men and women can experience difficulty achieving orgasm, which may have a negative impact on sexual libido. Women who take methadone may experience irregular menstrual periods as a side effect of treatment. These side effects should be discussed with your doctor to ensure that you receive appropriate guidance and care.
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