Methadone Side Effects

Methadone is a (synthetic opiate) narcotic that when administered once a day, orally, in adequate doses, can usually suppress a heroin addict's craving and withdrawal for 24 hours. Patients are as physically dependent on methadone as they were to heroin or other opiates, such as Oxycotin or Vicodin.

Methadone side effects include but are not limited to:

• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• weakness
• euphoria
• dry mouth
• urinary retention
• constipation
• slow or troubled breathing

Methadone side effects that are more rare include but are not limited to:

• allergic reactions
• skin rash
• hives
• itching
• headache
• dizziness
• impaired concentration
• sensation of drunkenness
• confusion
• depression
• blurred or double vision
• facial flushing
• sweating
• heart palpitation
• nausea
• vomiting

Methadone side effects that are more uncommon include but are not limited to:

• anaphylactic reactions
• hypotension causing weakness and fainting
• disorientation
• hallucinations
• unstable gait
• tremor
• muscle twitching
• myasthenia gravis
• kidney failure
• seizures
  

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