What are the Side Effects of Methadone Treatment?

Like many medications, methadone has a number of potential side effects. Fortunately, most of these side effects are tolerable or go away after a few days of treatment. These side effects fall into two categories. Side effects that are mild and you do not have to worry about unless they do not go away and side effects that you have to tell your doctor about immediately.

Mild Side Effects

According to the Mayo Clinic, mild side effects are side effects that usually go away on their own and do not need medical attention. They are just byproducts of your body adjusting to your medication.

Physical Mild Side Effects

Side Effects of Methadone Treatment

Mild weight changes can occur while on methadone.

The physical mild side effects of methadone are:

  • tunnel vision
  • blurred vision
  • halos around lights
  • mild weight changes
  • night blindness
  • lack of strength
  • irregular or stopped menstruation in women
  • weird color perception
  • inability to keep an erection in men
  • unusual redness, soreness, or swelling of the tongue
  • overly bright lights
  • constipation

There might be other physical side effects. If you notice anything unusual make sure to speak to your doctor.

Mental or Emotional Side Effects

The mental or emotional side effects are effects that are more psychological than physical. These are:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • confusion about orientation such as identity, place, or time
  • decreased interest in sex
  • restlessness
  • agitation
  • irritability
  • false sense of wellbeing

All of these side effects should go away shortly after starting your treatment. The higher your methadone dosage, the more severe side effect, call 800-678-5931(Who Answers?) , to find a treatment center that can help you with your methadone treatment.

Serious Side Effects

Methadone has some serious side effects, according to the National Library of Medicine. Some of these side effects are physical and some are mental. It is important to call your doctor immediately if you are going through outpatient treatment or tell a staff member if you are in inpatient treatment, if you experience any of these side effects.

Serious Physical Side Effects

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • black stools
  • convulsions
  • seizures
  • swelling of the throat or mouth
  • difficulty breathing
  • difficulty swallowing
  • extreme drowsiness
  • wheezing or difficulty catching your breath
  • dilated veins in your neck
  • fainting
  • irregular heartbeat
  • blue lips, fingertips, or skin
  • tenderness on any part of your body
  • unusual bleeding such as during urination, bowel movements or while coughing
  • muscle pain or cramping
  • tingling or numbness in your extremities
  • trouble urinating

The serious physical side effects indicate something is very wrong such as an allergic reaction or intolerance to the medication.

Serious Mental Side Effects

Serious mental side effects indicate there is something psychological is going on that needs to be checked out by a doctor. These side effects are:

  • extreme confusion
  • extreme anger or rage
  • hallucinations

Finding a Treatment Center to Help with your Transition to Methadone

In order to get methadone treatment, you will need a treatment center. Due to the side effects of methadone, an excellent treatment center is necessary. To find one all you have to do is call 800-678-5931(Who Answers?) . We can help you find the treatment you need.

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