Methadone is a prescription opiate analgesic medication indicated to relieve pain and limit withdrawal symptoms in patients recovering from a heroin addiction. This medication can be administered orally (tablet, dispersible tablet or liquid) or by injection. Recurrent use of methadone can cause patients to build up a tolerance to the effects of this medication, which can lead to physical symptoms of detox once treatment with methadone ends.
Muscle Aches
During methadone detox (or withdrawal), you can experience aching or painful sensations within your muscles. If this occurs, it can be difficult for you to move the affected body region, which can limit mobility. The severity of painful muscle symptoms can vary from mild to severe and typically arise within 30 hours of getting your last dose of methadone, say health professionals at Medline Plus.
Runny Nose
During the early stage of methadone detox, you can develop an abnormally runny or congested nose as a physical symptom of withdrawal. This can cause you to frequently blow or wipe your nose, which can lead to nasal redness or irritation. Nasal irritation and congestion can also cause your eyes to tear or water during methadone detox.
Fatigue
Significant fatigue is a common physical symptom of methadone detox. Within a day after taking your last dose of methadone, you can begin to feel abnormally drowsy or tired, which can cause you to sleep for longer periods than usual. Symptoms of fatigue can also arise due to sleeping difficulties (insomnia) that occur during methadone detox. Fatigue can also be accompanied by excessive yawning in patients going through methadone detox.
Sweating
You can experience episodes of excessive body sweating as a physical symptom of methadone detox. If this occurs, you can develop pellets of moisture across your skin, which can leave clothing or bed linens damp or moist. Such sensations can be quite uncomfortable and may be accompanied by fever or chills. Certain people also develop goose bumps during excessive sweating.
Upset Stomach
During the later stages of methadone detox, you can begin to experience stomach-related symptoms of withdrawal. Such physical symptoms of methadone detox include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. You can also develop diarrhea, which can cause you to frequently excrete loose or watery stools. Diarrhea is often accompanied by additional stomach symptoms, including cramping, pain or bloating.
