Why is this medication
prescribed?
Methadone
is used to relieve severe pain. It also is used in treatment programs
for people addicted to narcotics.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be
used?
Methadone
comes as a tablet, dispersible tablet, liquid, and liquid concentrate
to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 3-4 hours as necessary for
severe pain or every 6-8 hours for chronic pain. If you take methadone
as part of a treatment program, your doctor will prescribe the dosing
schedule that is best for you. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to
explain any part you do not understand. Take methadone exactly as
directed.
Methadone
can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or
for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.
Dispersible
tablets should be put in 3-4 ounces of liquid (e.g., water or citrus
fruit juice) before use. The tablet should be completely dissolved in 1
minute.
When
the methadone oral concentrate solution is used, the dose should be
mixed in 3-4 ounces of liquid (e.g., water or citrus fruit juice) first.
If you
take methadone as part of a treatment program, you must go to an
approved clinic to obtain (and sometimes take) the drug. Your doctor
will tell you about the proper procedures for enrolling in this kind of
treatment program.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
taking methadone,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to codeine, methadone, or any other
drugs.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially other pain relievers; antidepressants; medications
for cough, cold, or allergies; sedatives; sleeping pills;
tranquilizers; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had liver or kidney disease, a history of alcoholism, lung
or thyroid disease, heart disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary
problems.
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking methadone, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery,
including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking methadone.
- you should know that this
drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until
you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can
add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
Methadone
may be taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take methadone
regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if
it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Although
side effects from methadone are not common, they can occur. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- constipation
- stomach pain
- rash
- difficulty urinating
If you
experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- fainting
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor, laboratory, and clinic. Your doctor
will want to check your response to methadone.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
