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Many people begin using prescription drugs without knowing the impact that the medication may have on their weight. Extreme weight gain or loss from a medication may affect your health, so it’s important to know what to expect before beginning any prescription. Some medicines, like Methadone, for example, may contribute to both weight loss and gain in some cases.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic prescription narcotic in the opioid category of drugs. This prescription, which was originally designed to treat extreme pain, is designed to change the way your brain and your nervous system respond to pain. Today, Methadone is still used for body pain that results from an injury, surgery, or illness.
It is also commonly used as part of a heroin or painkiller addiction treatment program. While Methadone cannot cure addiction, it does help with withdrawal symptoms and recovery. In fact, it can also block the high that comes from drugs such as codeine, hydrocodone, heroine, morphine, and oxycodone. Methadone is available in tablet, powder, and liquid forms. It can be taken orally, crushed into a liquid, or injected (when used illegally).
Side Effects of Methadone
The effects of Methadone typically kick in slower than the side effects of other painkillers or narcotics. Common side effects of Methadone may include:
- Restlessness
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Slow breathing
- Heavy sweating
- Sexual problems
- Constipation
- Sleep changes
- Appetite changes
- Dry mouth
- Flushing
- Mood changes
- Vision problems
- Weight gain
Serious side effects of Methadone use may include fainting, lightheadedness, trouble breathing, rash, hives, swollen lips or tongue, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures, confusion, trouble swallowing, severe drowsiness, hoarse voice, and irregular periods. Most important, misusing Methadone could cause a potentially fatal overdose. Therefore, immediate medical attention is necessary for those overdosing from Methadone.
Does Methadone Make You Lose Weight?
Like many other prescription narcotics and painkillers, Methadone may have a significant impact on weight. However, it could either make you lose or gain weight. The type of reaction you have to Methadone depends on your dosage, current weight, age, and other contributing factors.
Even though weight gain is a common side effect of Methadone, loss of appetite is as well. If someone loses their appetite while taking Methadone, weight loss may be a result.
Using Methadone Responsibly
Even though Methadone is technically safer than other narcotics, it can still lead to addiction and abuse. It should only be used if your doctor prescribes it to you and if they monitor or administer the process as you take the drug. Do not change your dosage or stop taking Methadone without talking to your doctor first. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking to avoid any complicated interactions.
To learn more about Methadone and its impact on weight and addiction, contact our team of substance abuse and treatment specialists by calling 267.209.7313.
