Side Effects and Risks of Methadone  

Methadone has proven effective in the battle against opioid addiction, but the medication isn’t without its risks and side effects. As with any prescription medication, patients and doctors must weigh the drug’s positive outcomes and adverse effects before beginning use. With the drug producing physical and mental side effects as well as having a high risk for dependency, it’s imperative for patients to know the dangers and alternatives available to prevent Methadone addiction from developing.  

What Is Methadone and What Is It Used for? 

Methadone is a common drug (a synthetic opioid) used for those who struggle with addiction to opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. When individuals struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD), they may require Medication-Assisted Treatment, sometimes known as “Methadone maintenance” treatment to overcome their addiction. MAT can help mitigate the signs of withdrawal and help control the desire to use. 

Methadone, however, has a host of adverse side effects that can affect the individual’s recovery.  Fortunately there is now an effective safer alternative to Methadone called Suboxone.  Leveraging the benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment with Suboxone combined with therapy and counseling gives patients the best chance of overcoming opioid addiction long term. A whole-patient approach, which tackles any underlying mental health disorders as well as physical addiction, remains the best way for individuals to overcome their addiction with success.  

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Potential Risks of Methadone  

The powerful prescription drug comes with the potential for dependency, and Methadone abuse and Methadone addiction are common in those who are prescribed this potent drug. When an individual is prescribed Methadone, there is always a risk factor involved as it can be addictive in those who are susceptible to the disease of addiction. Methadone overdose is also a possibility in those who abuse this medication for the ‘high’ they can get from doing so. 

Some of the side effects of Methadone are: 

• Impaired balanced 
• Forgetfulness  
• Respiratory depression 
• Convulsions 
• Vomiting  
• Clammy skin  
• Overdose/death 

A Safer Alternative to Methadone  

Suboxone is a synthetic opioid and is a Methadone alternative that is gaining popularity among treatment facilities nationwide. Suboxone was created for the sole purpose of helping those who are struggling with addiction, unlike Methadone which was initially used to help the severely injured during WW II.

Suboxone contains two main drugs, Naltrexone (20%) and Buprenorphine (80%), and is used to block the effects of opioids. When an individual takes Suboxone, it binds to the receptors in the brain responsible for receiving the ‘feel-good’ chemicals when opioids are taken. It does this while also lessening withdrawal symptoms.  

Patients do not often experience the side effects of Suboxone, and the drug has far fewer severe side effects than its drug counterpart, Methadone. Suboxone allows the body and mind to adapt to natural means of feel-good chemical release such as the release of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin through holistic means such as a patient partaking in things that make them happy such as cooking or exercising. The medication is far safer than other drugs used for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and holds a very low chance of dependency.  

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab utilizes the benefits of Suboxone as it is less addictive, carries less potential for abuse, and is far less likely to cause overdosed than Methadone. Suboxone is a safer alternative to Methadone and is just as effective. If you or someone you know is struggling with Methadone or any other kind of opioid addiction, get in touch with WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today. With numerous locations throughout Florida featuring Suboxone clinics, our specialists can help guide you toward long-lasting recovery without the risks and side effects of Methadone and opioid abuse. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.