Methadone Withdrawal
Methadone is an opioid that treats severe to moderate pain and also helps reduce the withdrawal symptoms and cravings to heroin. Methadone is typically given orally every 3 to 12 hours. The doctor will give directions how the person should introduce the medication to their body and then how much should be administered gradually as time goes on.
If the person that is prescribed the medication starts taking methadone improperly, they will have an increased risk of some serious side effects. Some of the side effects they may experience are respiratory problems, skin issues, gastrointestinal issues and others. The person may also experience mood changes and loss of interest in daily activities.
If a person starts seeing signs of methadone addiction, it is important they never stop taking methadone suddenly without talking to a medical doctor first. The doctor will be able to give advice and a treatment plan that can help with the withdrawal symptoms that may occur. It is also very important to never consume alcohol while taking methadone or during the withdrawal period. Alcohol can cause some more serious effects that can be very dangerous and even fatal.
Medications That Can Affect Methadone
There are several different medications that can affect methadone. It is important for a person taking methadone to talk to their medical doctor any medications they are also taking. The side effects that some medications can cause when combined with methadone, can be very dangerous and even result in death.
- a diuretic
- variety of HIV medicines
- heart or blood pressure medications
- antibiotics
- MAO inhibitor
- Rifampin
- variety of narcotic medicines
- seizure medication
There are many more medicines that are not listed above that can cause serious damage. It is important to never start taking a new medication without telling a medical doctor if you or a loved one is currently taking or withdrawing from methadone. It is always a good idea to keep a list of medications that you are currently taking, with them in case of an emergency.
Get Help For Methadone Withdrawal
There are treatment programs that can help with an addiction to methadone. Treatment centers can provide assistance for a person experiencing the different methadone withdrawal symptoms and give them the tools needed to recover from the addiction. When looking into a treatment center, the person should sit down with their medical doctor and discuss the different obstacles and obligations they may have. Their doctor will also be able to give them advice about how to handle the different roadblocks throughout recovery.