Side Effects Of Methadone: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: What are the primary side effects of methadone (for pain management)?

(Posted by: billyrcb on 2007-01-05 09:20:06)

My prescription always has "caution- sedation " on it. I have never been given a script that has a particular side effect written on it by hand.

Posted by: just curious on 2007-01-05, 10:32:50

All medicines can have some side effects, but not all people get them. Some people have different side effects than others. Most side effects happen in the first few hours of treatment and gradually go away. Each one is an anticipated side effect, and most can be treated so that the pain can be effectively managed. If the side effects cannot be alleviated, doctors may switch a patient's pain medication to make sure a patient gets the maximum pain control with minimum side effects. The benefits and risks of various categories of pain medicine are outlined in the next section. Cancer pain is most commonly treated with opioid medication. Some of the most common side effects of opioid medication are: Constipation:(not being able to have a bowel movement): The best way to prevent constipation is to drink lots of water, juice and other liquids, and to eat more fruits and vegetables. Exercise also helps to prevent constipation. Your doctor or nurse may also give you a stool softener or a laxative.

Posted by: bmac on 2007-01-05, 09:28:39

You wouldn't. It's the pharmacists job to put the warnings on the prescription bottles. You should have already discussed with your doctor the side effects of any medication he/ she is putting you on. Here is the info on methadone: education.yahoo.com/ reference/ encyclopedia/ entry/ methadon

Posted by: DrCochran1 on 2007-01-05, 09:40:04

Initially almost everyone is sedated to some degree. Some people, however are stimulated and can't sleep. Constipation and itchiness are also common. Urinary retention can also happen. You might try a half dose the first time you take it. Be sure not to drive or operate heavy machinery or be in charge of small children the first time you try it.

Posted by: Kathleen on 2007-01-05, 09:53:13

~All known side effects are at the link listed below. A pharmacist knows a lot about medications and a side effect may not have been included on the list or something. Too much information is better than not enough.~

Posted by: Me on 2007-01-05, 14:29:12

I took methadone for nearly a year for chronic pain. When I first got started, I had pretty bad urinary retention. We backed off and eventually ended up back at the same dose, but starting out lower and going slow is the key. I had constipation pretty bad but just took over the counter meds like Senekot to help that, which it did. I didn't experience any drowsiness or any other side effects. Good luck!!