Methadone (Methadone Hydrochloride) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS

THE MAJOR HAZARDS OF METHADONE, AS OF OTHER NARCOTIC ANALGESICS, ARE RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION AND, TO A LESSER DEGREE, CIRCULATORY DEPRESSION. RESPIRATORY ARREST, SHOCK, AND CARDIAC ARREST HAVE OCCURRED.

The most frequently observed adverse reactions include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those who are not suffering severe pain. In such individuals, lower doses are advisable. Some adverse reactions may be alleviated if the ambulatory patient lies down.

Other adverse reactions include the following:

Central Nervous System — Euphoria, dysphoria, weakness, headache, insomnia, agitation, disorientation, and visual disturbances.

Gastrointestinal — Dry mouth, anorexia, constipation and biliary tract spasm.

Cardiovascular — Flushing of the face, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness, and syncope.

Genitourinary — Urinary retention or hesitancy, antidiuretic effect, and reduced libido and/or potency.

Allergic — Pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, edema, and, rarely, hemorrhagic urticaria.

Hematologic — Reversible thrombocytopenia has been described in a narcotics addict with chronic hepatitis.

REPORTS OF SUSPECTED METHADONE SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS

Possible Methadone side effects / adverse reactions in 39 year old male

Reported by a pharmacist from United Kingdom on 2011-12-02

Patient: 39 year old male

Reactions: Epilepsy

Adverse event resulted in: disablity

Suspect drug(s):
Carbamazepine
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Heroin
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Xanax
    Dosage: unk

Methadone
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Gabapentin
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate
    Dosage: 30 mg, 2x/day
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Pain

Possible Methadone side effects / adverse reactions in 51 year old male

Reported by a physician from United States on 2011-12-22

Patient: 51 year old male

Reactions: Drug Abuse

Adverse event resulted in: death

Suspect drug(s):
Diphenhydramine
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Alprazolam
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Methadone
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Possible Methadone side effects / adverse reactions in 82 year old male

Reported by a physician from United States on 2011-12-22

Patient: 82 year old male

Reactions: Completed Suicide, Toxicity TO Various Agents

Adverse event resulted in: death

Suspect drug(s):
Pregabalin
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Cyclobenzaprine
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Warfarin
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Amlodipine Besylate
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Methadone
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral

Hydroxychloroquine
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral