Methadone is used to treat ongoing severe pain that may occur from various health conditions—including opioid addiction. It changes how a person’s body feels and responds to pain. Although it can be a helpful part of opioid addiction recovery, side effects of methadone pills can be quite severe.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a controlled substance that comes in several different oral forms including a tablet, concentrated solution, and a dispersible tablet dissolved in liquid. Only a healthcare provider can give a person methadone in an intravenous form. Taking it via the concentrate solution dispenses a greater amount than a person would receive from an oral solution.
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Beneficial Side Effects of Methadone Pills
As mentioned previously, addiction specialists prescribe methadone pills as a way to taper off from opioid abuse. In some cases, it can also be used as a pain management tool. The drug changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Under medical supervision, professionals essentially use it as a replacement for addictive opiates like morphine and heroin.
Short-Term Side Effects of Methadone Pills
Given in carefully monitored doses, methadone pills have medicinal value. However, these pills are also an opioid substance with a high chance of addiction. Although milder than other drugs in its class, dangerous side effects can cause psychological and physical harm.
Brief use may lead to some unpleasant side effects such as:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Lightheadedness
Continued use introduces more serious side effects including depressed respiratory function, fainting, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and death from an overdose.
While physical side effects of methadone pills can be damaging, psychological effects can be just as serious. People may experience insomnia, hallucinations, depression, delusions, or suicidal ideation. Any occurrence should be brought to the attention of a supervising medical professional. In these cases, they may lower the prescribed dosage or switch to a different medication.
Long-Term Side Effects of Methadone Pills
While methadone provides necessary relief from pain, it can come at a price. A person who suffers from chronic pain may develop a chemical dependency. Some doctors are hesitant to prescribe methadone. Therefore, those who do must closely monitor the person to watch for signs of misuse.
Methadone addiction can have a dangerous physical and mental impact on people. Long-term use can damage the liver, nerves, and the brain’s cognitive function. Left untreated, people addicted to methadone may face adverse side effects, including coma and death.
Effects on the body are sometimes irreversible, especially if a person takes methadone illegally. Street-purchased methadone carries a more potent dose that causes adverse effects. Some people also develop cardiac or respiratory problems. Attempts to quit cause withdrawal symptoms once the body becomes physically dependent on the chemical reaction.
Ways to Treat Negative Side Effects of Methadone Pills
When a person goes through methadone withdrawal, it usually occurs in stages. Treatment starts at a high dose before dropping down to smaller increments, which ensures a slow and comfortable withdrawal process. As dosages are reduced, a person may undergo one or several forms of therapy. Specific treatment depends on the individual and the rehabilitation program in which they enroll.
Located in California, Serenity Lodge offers drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs that address a person’s needs. In order to ensure that individuals start their recovery the right way, we team up with our partner detox facility to help them get through the methadone withdrawal process.
In addition to high-quality addiction therapy, we also offer beneficial amenities to enhance the rehab experience. Some of our amenities include:
- Movie theatre
- Nutritional prepared meals therapy
- Indoor racquetball
- Golf
The side effects of methadone pills don’t have to control your life. You can overcome them at Serenity Lodge and receive the tools needed to achieve lasting recovery. Call us today at (855) 932-4045.
