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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Methadone

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Methadone

  • Methadone is usually for the treatment of drug addiction.
  • Take methadone exactly as directed. Your doctor will tell you how much to take.
  • Do not drive and do not drink alcohol while you are taking methadone.

About methadone

Type of medicineAnalgesic
Used forTreatment of addiction to opioid drugs
Severe pain, or cough in terminal illness
Also calledEptadone®, Synastone®, Physeptone®, Metharose®,
Available asOral solution, injection, tablets

Methadone is used in combination with other medicines to help overcome addiction to opiate drugs such as heroin. It works by reducing the withdrawal symptoms that occur when the opiate drug is reduced or stopped.

Methadone also acts as a pain-killer and can be used to treat severe pain. Occasionally it is also used to relieve coughing in terminal illness.

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, heart, or breathing problems.
  • If you drink a lot of alcohol.
  • If you suffer from low blood pressure, are dehydrated, or have lost a lot of fluid (shock).
  • If you have prostate problems, or an underactive thyroid gland.
  • If you suffer from bowel problems, or have severe bowel pain.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you suffer from gallstones or a gallbladder problem.
  • If you have recently had a severe head injury.
  • If you suffer from a convulsive disorder such as epilepsy.
  • If you have adrenal gland problems or phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression within the last two weeks.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • Important: children must not be given methadone.

How to take methadone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take methadone exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the dose you have been prescribed.
  • Take your methadone dose at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, do not take it when you remember. Wait until the next dose is due, then take only one dose. Do not take two doses together to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Methadone is used alongside other treatments for drug addiction. It is important that you keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be reviewed.
  • Methadone (even in small amounts) is a special hazard to children and other people if it is swallowed by accident. If you suspect that someone else has taken some of this medicine, get medical help straight away.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Taking methadone can lead to addiction and stopping suddenly can cause problems.
  • Do not drive while you are taking methadone. Methadone causes drowsiness and will affect your ability to drive. Your doctor will tell you when you can start to drive again.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with methadone.

Can methadone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Try sticking to simple foods
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
DrowsinessDo not drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol - it will increase the drowsiness
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice
Other effects include: lowered body temperature, restlessness, dry eyes, and painful periods in womenIf troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience difficulty in breathing, or notice a difference in your heartbeat, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

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

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.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Methadone® Oral Solution, Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised January 2005, accessed 31 July 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
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dils2955		Last Reviewed:
20 Oct 2008		Version:
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