Longtime Side Effects Of Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid, or narcotic, drug that is legally prescribed to treat pain or alleviate withdrawal symptoms in patients who have enrolled in an opioid drug treatment program. Certain people do not experience side effects associated with long-term use of methadone. However, if you use methadone as a form of long-term treatment you may experience certain side effects---especially if you choose to stop taking methadone.

Breathing Difficulties

Respiratory and lung issues may develop in the long term if you use methadone. You may develop breathing difficulties such as abnormally slow breathing---a condition called hypoventilation---as a side effect of this medication. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have about these symptoms with your doctor or drug treatment counselor.

Gastrointestinal Upset

If you use methadone for an extended amount of time you may develop long-term gastrointestinal complications. Some people experience prolonged episodes of constipation, nausea or vomiting. Loss of appetite has also been reported by patients who receive long-term treatment with methadone.

Insomnia

Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, are common among people who use methadone. If you use methadone for long-term treatment, you may develop insomnia---a medical condition characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia can cause you to become excessively tired during the day and may interfere with your ability to complete work or school responsibilities.

Depression

Mood alterations or mood swings commonly occur in patients who are treated with methadone. If you decide to stop methadone treatment, you may experience long-term depression. Depression is a mental health condition that may cause you to lose interest in your normal activities or may leave you feeling sad or hopeless on a daily basis.

Sexual Dysfunction

If you use methadone you may experience long-term sexual dysfunction as a side effect of this medication. You may find that your sex drive is decreased or that you have difficulty obtaining orgasm.

Abnormal Menses

Women who use methadone may develop menstrual cycle changes. Your menstrual period may be heavier or lighter than usual, or you may not have a menstrual period during some months. If you are sexually active while you are taking methadone, be sure to check for pregnancy on a regular basis. Women who use methadone are at risk for developing pregnancy complications, especially if dosing levels decrease.

Liver Toxicity

An article published in The Western Journal of Medicine in 2000 reported that long-term use of methadone may lead to liver toxicity. In healthy people, the liver is responsible for removing toxins from the blood. If you use methadone over a long period of time, the toxic byproducts of this medication may build up within the liver. This can lead to liver toxicity, which may extensively damage the structure and function of the liver.