Methadone is an opioid similar to morphine. Doctors commonly prescribe it to aid in the treatment of narcotic painkiller or heroin addictions. Methadone can also alleviate pain symptoms. However, when used incorrectly or experience Methadone side effects, you will need to find a methadone detox center in Houston.
Methadone Side Effects
Short-term usage can cause specific methadone side effects, such as:
- Agitation or restlessness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irritated or itchy skin
- Excessive sweating
Some side effects of methadone are more severe and require immediate medical attention:
- Swollen lips, throat, face, or tongue
- Development of a rash or hives
- Fainting or general lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Hallucinations
- Trouble breathing
How Methadone Works
Like other opioids, methadone alters your brain’s pain responses. This happens by binding to your brain’s opioid receptors. Methadone has slower effects than other commonly used painkillers (such as morphine). Methadone can provide pain relief without any sense of euphoria.
This helps recovering addicts find relief from chronic or severe pain without reintroducing them to a high. Patients take Methadone for about a minimum of twelve months when it is a primary rehabilitation treatment option. When a patient is ready to stop methadone treatment, they are weaned off gradually to decrease the chances of withdrawal symptoms. A methadone detox center in Houston can help you overcome
How is Methadone Distributed?
By law, methadone can only be medically distributed through an opioid treatment program. Doctors can provide it to patients in the form of a wafer, liquid, or pill. Doctors individually adjust methadone prescriptions to the patient’s needs. It can be taken once a day.
Methadone is typically more effective in higher doses and can provide pain relief for four to eight hours. Methadone is a common component of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment. This means that it is only a small aspect of a patient’s overall recovery plan. Addiction recovery patients are provided with other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Using Methadone Safely
A medical professional must carefully monitor use in patients to watch for Methadone side effects. You should never take more than the prescribed amount. This can lead to overdose, which is incredibly dangerous. You should never consume alcohol while taking methadone. Also, be extremely careful when operating heavy machinery or driving while taking methadone.
Remember that methadone’s active ingredients can remain in your body long after you have stopped taking it. The safest way to dispose of methadone once you have finished using it for treatment is to flush it down the toilet.
Methadone as Addiction Treatment
Methadone has medical uses as a replacement drug during rehabilitation therapy. It can replicate the high created from using other opioids, but milder. Methadone can block the high from other drugs. Taking methadone during addiction recovery should always be done under close medical supervision. Methadone can become addictive if you are not careful.
Are you curious about methadone side effects and how it could aid you as you recover from substance abuse? We offer complete treatment plans to aid you in your recovery from substance abuse. Learn more about what we have to offer you as you take the first steps to sobriety. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today 866.516.8356.
