Methadone

About Methadone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as analgesics.

Methadone is used to treat severe pain, severe coughs in patients suffering from terminal illness and it is also used in combination with other medicines to help overcome addiction to opiate drugs such as heroin.

Methadone is available in tablet, oral solution, linctus and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Physeptone. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Methadone

Before taking methadone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney, respiratory (breathing), prostate or thyroid problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy or hypotension (low blood pressure)
• if you have recently suffered a serious head injury
• if you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Methadone

• Take methadone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Methadone is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of methadone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Methadone can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Methadone can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and drinking plenty of water. If these measures do not ease your constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• Methadone can cause dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor.
• Methadone may cause you to sweat more than you would usually. Take care not to become overheated during hot weather. You may also feel the cold more than you would usually, so ensure you wrap up and wear plenty of clothing when you are going out in the cold.
• Methadone may cause dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside methadone.

Can Methadone cause problems?

Feeling or being sick, constipation, drowsiness, difficulty urinating (passing water), dry mouth, sweating, headache, flushing (redness of the face), dizziness, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, mood changes, sexual problems or skin rashes.

If you experience any other symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Methadone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 19/02/2003