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Methadone use carries a significant risk of abuse and addiction, which can result in overdose and death. It may also lead to serious or potentially fatal respiratory and cardiac issues. To minimize these risks, it is vital to follow your doctor's instructions by using the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary. Do not increase the dosage or frequency of methadone on your own.

• Discuss with your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether you should have naloxone available for emergencies related to opioid overdose. Educate your family or household members on recognizing and responding to signs of an opioid overdose.

• The likelihood of experiencing severe breathing or heart problems is higher at the beginning of treatment, when transitioning from another opioid to methadone, after a dosage increase, or if an incorrect dose is taken. Breathing difficulties might not occur immediately after taking a dose. Most heart-related issues have been observed in individuals using high doses for pain management, though they can also occur in those on lower doses for opioid addiction treatment.

• Combining methadone with alcohol or other substances that induce drowsiness or respiratory issues can lead to grave side effects, including fatal outcomes. Additionally, certain medications can interfere with how methadone is processed in your body, affecting its efficacy. Ensure you understand the proper use of methadone and which substances to avoid.

• In case of severe side effects such as slow or shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, intense drowsiness, difficulty waking, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention.

• Store methadone securely to prevent theft, misuse, or abuse. If someone accidentally ingests methadone, seek medical help immediately.

• Women of childbearing potential should consult their doctor about the risks and benefits before using methadone. Pregnancy can alter methadone levels in the body, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Methadone should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. It may slightly raise the risk of birth defects if taken during the first trimester and can cause harm to the unborn child if used in high doses or for extended periods near the delivery date. To reduce risk, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. Infants born to mothers who have used methadone long-term may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Notify a healthcare provider immediately if your newborn exhibits symptoms such as persistent crying, slow or shallow breathing, irritability, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, poor feeding, or difficulty gaining weight.

You may experience mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, or sweating. These often improve with continued use of the medication. If they persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider. To help alleviate constipation, incorporate dietary fiber, stay hydrated, and engage in regular exercise. A pharmacist can recommend a suitable laxative if needed. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.

Serious side effects require prompt medical attention. These include interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), mental or mood changes like agitation, confusion, or hallucinations, stomach or abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, and weight loss. Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects like seizures or severe drowsiness that make waking difficult.

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction is possible. Symptoms include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If these occur, seek emergency medical assistance. This list may not include all potential side effects, so contact a healthcare provider if you notice any other unusual symptoms.

Certain medications may interact with this drug, leading to potentially serious effects. These include specific pain medications such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, and pentazocine, as well as naltrexone and samidorphan. Using MAO inhibitors with this drug can result in a dangerous, possibly life-threatening interaction. Do not use MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine while on this medication. Additionally, avoid MAO inhibitors for two weeks before and after your treatment. Consult your doctor for guidance on when to begin or cease use.

Other drugs may impact how methadone is processed in your body, altering its effectiveness. These include St. John's wort, azole antifungals like itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifamycins like rifampin, and seizure medications including carbamazepine.

Combining this medication with others that cause drowsiness or breathing issues can increase the risk of severe side effects like slow or shallow breathing, and extreme drowsiness or dizziness. Inform your doctor if you are using other opioid pain or cough medications like codeine or hydrocodone, alcohol, marijuana, sleep or anxiety drugs such as alprazolam, lorazepam, or zolpidem, muscle relaxants like carisoprodol or cyclobenzaprine, or antihistamines such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine.

Check the labels on all your medications, including those for allergies or cough and cold, as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist on using these safely.

This drug may affect certain laboratory tests, like those measuring amylase or lipase levels, leading to inaccurate results. Ensure that all laboratory personnel and your healthcare providers are aware of your medication use.