What is methadone detox dependency?
Regular use of methadone can often, well most times, cause physical dependency. Using methadone prescribed or not, regularly will create a methadone detox withdrawal experience. The physical changes due to the drug are similar to other opiates (like heroin); suppressed cough reflex, contracted pupils, drowsiness and constipation. Some people who experience a methadone detox begin to feel ill when they first use the drug. Methadone is a long-acting opioid; it has an effect for up to 36 hours, and so it will take that long to even begin to feel the withdrawal symptoms. I can remain in the users body for several days.
What are methadone’s adverse reactions?
- If you are a woman using methadone you may not have regular periods – but you are still able to conceive.
- Methadone generally entails the entire spectrum of opioid side effects, including the development of tolerance and physical and psychological dependence.
- Deaths occur more frequently at the beginning of treatment in methadone programs; they are usually a cause of excessive doses (i.e. erroneously estimated tolerance) and they are affected by concomitant diseases (hepatitis, pneumonia).
- Respiratory depressions are dangerous.
- The released histamines can cause hypotension or bronchospasms.
- Other symptoms are: constipation, nausea or vomiting, sedation, vertigo, edema.
What Can I do if I find I have a dependency to methadone?
If you feel you have an addiction to methadone and need a safe, medically managed methadone detox, call Pat Moore Foundation at (888) 426-6086. We are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. If you’ve been through our methadone detox program and need to find a support group, contact Methadone Anonymous at www.methadonesupport.org or www.methadonetoday.org.