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woman struggles with her methadone side effects

All drugs have some side effects, especially if they are abused. Methadone, which is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment programs, can have side effects that range from mild to severe. If you are taking methadone and are concerned about side effects, or are considering starting a medication-assisted treatment program for opioid addiction, learn more about the potential side effects of methadone. Contact an addiction treatment center near you, like San Antonio Recovery Center, today to take the first step toward recovery.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is an opioid that is administered to treat pain as well as curb cravings for opioids in those who struggle with addiction. One common use for methadone is in the treatment of heroin addiction. Heroin is highly addictive, as it causes feelings of relief, contentment, or even pleasure. Methadone is an FDA-approved substance for heroin addiction treatment.

However, as much as methadone is used to treat pain and curb cravings for other opioids, it can be addictive itself. As a result, patients who are under methadone medication have to get their dose in a clinic every day to prevent abuse.

As long as methadone is used to treat addiction to heroin, its addiction tendency is high. We should note that, since methadone is also an opiate, it may treat heroin addiction but replace it afterward.

What Are The Side Effects of Methadone? 

When you take methadone, whether in excess or not and for other reasons than opioid addiction treatment in San Antonio TX, it comes with some side effects. The individuals using it may start experiencing side effects that include:

  • Lower sex urge
  • Periods in an irregular pattern
  • Confusion and mental lethargy
  • Cramps in the abdomen
  • Vomiting, a decrease in appetite, and nausea
  • Some difficulties when urinating

Besides the above, an individual might sweat profusely and develop rashes on the skin. Aches within the joints and muscles is also another side effect.

If you are experiencing the above side effects, it's important that you do not stop taking methadone suddenly, as that can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your options for tapering off of methadone.

What Are The Symptoms of Methadone Abuse?

So, what are the symptoms of methadone abuse? Since methadone is a treatment for opioid addictions, its symptoms of abuse are similar to the warning signs of other opioids. However, they set in slowly.

Due to these symptoms, it becomes easy to identify an individual who abuses the drug. Such symptoms include the following:

  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of sleep
  • Running nose and aching muscles
  • Shaking and mild tremors
  • Sweating profusely
  • Depression

With such signs, you can quickly identify an individual who abuses methadone. Therefore, the identification becomes the first step in the treatment process.

Treatment for Methadone Addiction

It's possible to live free of opioid addiction. A medication-assisted treatment program that incorporates methadone can help. However, if methadone side effects are causing you pain or you are struggling with methadone abuse, talk to your doctor.

In an addiction treatment center, you'll develop healthy coping skills and strategies for methadone abuse and addiction. Through group and individual therapy, you'll begin to work through the underlying causes of addiction and rebuild your life. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer a number of treatment options, including:

The above are examples of the many programs we offer, all geared towards your healing. Don't let addiction take over your life. Learn more about the side effects of methadone, the addiction treatment therapies we offer, and our admissions process by contacting San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885 today.

Now is the time to focus on your recovery.

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