Methadone is a strong prescription painkiller that can be used to treat patients who experience pain or have an addiction to heroin. Unintentional overuse or intentional abuse of this drug can result in methadone overdose in patients. The effects of a methadone overdose can be fatal and require immediate medical intervention.
Respiratory Depression
Methadone overdose can affect the lungs and may lead to respiratory depression in certain patients. Symptoms of respiratory depression include shallow, slow breathing that can result in the cessation of breath, warn health educators at Medline Plus, an informational medical website provided as a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Severe breathing difficulties due to methadone overdose can also affect the heart and central nervous system, causing additional side effects to arise.
Heart Rate Abnormalities
High levels of methadone within the body can negatively affect cardiac (heart) function. Health officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn that methadone overdose can lead to heart rate abnormalities and may cause a decrease in blood pressure or a weak pulse. These effects of a methadone overdose can be life-threatening, especially if they occur in patients who have pre-existing heart-related medical problems.
Stomach Upset or Cramps
Taking excessive amounts of methadone can cause stomach-related side effects to occur. Stomach upset symptoms can include nausea, vomiting or constipation, which may contribute to sensations of bloating, pain or discomfort within the abdomen. Muscles within the digestive tract can also begin to twitch or spasm in patients following methadone overdose, reports Medline Plus.
Dizziness or Fatigue
Central nervous system effects can arise as a result of a methadone overdose. Toxic levels of this medication within the body can cause dizziness, fatigue, disorientation or weakness in certain patients, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. Loss of consciousness or coma may also occur as an effect of methadone overdose.
Nail or Skin Discoloration
If a patient has overdosed on methadone, his nails or skin can appear discolored, explains Medline Plus. Abnormally high concentrations of methadone can decrease oxygen transport in the body, causing the nails or lips to appear bluish in color. These patients may also have clammy skin that is cool to the touch.
Death
Respiratory, cardiac and central nervous system complications caused by a methadone overdose can lead to death in certain instances, warns the FDA. If you or a loved one have been exposed to toxic levels of methadone, seek immediate emergency medical care to prevent further medical complications.
