Methadone Addiction

5 Common Methadone Addiction Side Effects

You can overcome your addiction to methadone!

Methadone is a prescription medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain or to treat a heroin addiction. Doctors typically prescribe this medication when a non-narcotic medication has failed and they need to find an alternative drug. When a person misuses the medication, a methadone addiction can develop and cause some serious and even fatal side effects. The side effects that we will discuss here, can ruin the lives and families of the person addicted to methadone.

Methadone Addiction Side Effects

When a person has used the drug for a long period of time, their side effects may become more severe. Recognizing the different side effects, can save a life from becoming destroyed or lost altogether.

1. Loss of appetite

It is common for a person who is experiencing an methadone addiction to have a loss of appetite. The medication can block the brain from experiencing hunger pains and the person can just lose interests in eating food all together. It is very important that they eat a healthy diet when they are about to go to through the methadone withdrawal symptoms. Foods that are full of clean protein and nutrients will help the body recover and rebuild itself after an addiction to methadone.

2. Decreased sexual desire

When a person has started abusing methadone, they may start to lose their sexual desire towards their mate. It is important for their mate to understand this common side effect and not hold it against them. After they have been able to overcome the addiction and are sober, their sexual desire should come back to normal.

3. Loss of energy / weakness

For many people who are experiencing methadone addiction side effects, they may often experience loss of energy and develop weakness. They may become drowsy but still have a difficult time falling asleep. It is always the best for the person to be in a soothing environment, that they will be able to relax comfortably.

4. Mood Changes

Since methadone is a very heavy drug, it may cause some serious mood changes in a person. The drug can cause a person to have uncontrollable mood changes that may affect their daily lives and character. The person may normally be a free spirited person with light stress in their daily lives, but when the drug takes over, these mood changes can be large and very noticeable.

5. Financial Problems

Just like any addiction, a methadone addiction can cause financial problems too. When a person is on the drug, they can make irrational decisions with their finances. Since it is common for them to have mood changes, they may want to fill a void when they are angry and turn to another bad habit. Also, once the addiction to methadone has got of control, they won’t be able to keep asking their own doctor for the medication. This can lead the addict to doctor shopping or buying the medication on the streets, illegally.

If you are a loved one is experiencing a methadone addiction, it is important to seek medical attention right away for treatment. There are several different treatment programs that can assist you with your methadone addiction withdrawal symptoms and help you through the recovery process.

Resource Box: http://www.cdc.gov/idu/facts/methadonefin.pdf