Methadone withdrawal is sometimes experienced by users who discontinue the medication after having taken the drug for a long period of time and/or who have used high doses of the drug. The text "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology" describes symptoms that are both emotional and physical.
General Physical Symptoms
One reason taking methadone sometimes causes physical dependence is because cells within the body alter their sensitivity to signals that relay painful messages, a finding published in "Science" in July 2009. As a result, when methadone is discontinued, one of the primary withdrawal symptoms is deep, achy pain. Other physical withdrawal symptoms include rapid heartbeat, runny eyes and nose, sweating and chills.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Methadone is an opioid drug that interacts with opioid receptors found in the nervous system--including the enteric nervous system of the gut. According to the text "Molecular Neuropharmacology," the gut contains as many neurons as the spinal cord. The neurons of the gut regulate the speed at which materials pass through. Opioid drugs tend to slow bowel motility and are in fact the active ingredients of anti-diarrheal medications such as Immodium A.D., also called loperamide. Withdrawal from methadone can cause stomach upset in the form of diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite.
Emotional Symptoms
Overcoming a substance dependence is emotionally difficult. Some of the feelings that recovering dependents commonly feel include anxiety, restlessness, agitation, irritability and depression. A good support system can assist a recovering individual through this time. The "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders" stresses the importance of lifestyle changes and professional therapy on the road to recovery.
References
- "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D. and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
- "Science"; Induction of Synaptic Long-Term Potentiation After Opioid Withdrawal; Ruth Drdla et al.; July 2009
- "Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (2nd Edition)"; Eric Nestler, Steven Hyman and Robert Malenka; 2009
- "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders (Third Edition)"; Richard J. Francis et al.; 2005
