Methadone can be called a lifesaving
drug used to treat severe pain and get rid of addiction to opioid drugs. It’s
often a very helpful treatment for those who struggle to detox from heroin or
narcotic painkillers. As methadone is itself an opioid, quite possibly people may
get addicted to methadone too when on its use as a treatment of opioid
addiction.
When people stop using methadone after taking it for a while, they may experience some withdrawal symptoms, which can be quite a painful experience. In order to lessen the withdrawal symptoms, people need to discuss the risks and benefits associated with methadone use with their doctor. The doctor is the trusted professional who can exactly guide you whether discontinuation or long-term therapy is right for you.
While methadone is a prescription
drug, it is not much different from other opioid, forcing a quicker release of
it can have harmful side effects. Moreover, injecting it to the veins has high
risk of infection or contracting a host of contagious ailments such as HIV.
Let’s describe in detail the feasible
side effects that a person may experience when on methadone use….
The
Physical Side Effects Of Methadone?
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Feeling weak
- Disruption of menstrual periods
- Increased sweating
- Lights appearing too bright
- Nausea
- Itchy feeling of the skin
- Vision changes - blurred, loss, seeing double, tunnel vision, difficulty identifying color
- Pupil contraction (“pinpoint” pupil)
- Seeing “halos” around lights
- Restlessness
- Sense of well-being (euphoria)
- Vomiting
- Weight changes
- Trouble with sexual ability, drive, arousal or performance
- In extreme cases, death
These are just a few of the common Mental Side Effects of Methadone that a person may notice depending on the amount he/she takes, his/her
degree of abuse and some other significant points. The severity of these side
effects can range from moderate to severe. The method of administration or
changing amount of dosage can enhance the extent of some side effects.
The
Psychological Sides Effects Of Methadone?
While methadone is also a kind of
opioid, it does not create the same euphoric rush as other opioids do. However,
it can still have negative psychological effects. Again, mental and emotional side
effects of this life saving drug range from moderate to severe and vary from
person to person. These include:
- Delusions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts
Side
Effects Associated With The Long Term Use Of Methadone
The above mentioned list of physical
and psychological side effects is associated with the short term sue of
methadone, the long term effects of this drug significantly vary. Long term use
of methadone can lead to addiction. This addiction can lead to shake the
social, personal and professional life of the users.
In addition to the long term effects,
addiction can result in a tolerance and when the persons develop tolerance, they
no longer feel the effects of a substance. In order to get the same effects from
methadone use, its dosage is increased and results in physical dependence. In
this stage of addiction and dependence if a person stops taking it, withdrawal symptoms
can occur, which can be quite harsh and can compel a quitter to restart its
use.
Solution
To The Methadone Addiction & Its Abuse -
Therefore,
before your loved ones undergo withdrawal symptoms and restart its use, help
them get into the right treatment. Treatment provides the optimal chance for
recovery success and getting in touch with a reputable rehab justifycan help
you get there.