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Methadone is a medication with important safety considerations due to its potential risks and side effects. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely and be aware of the following safety information:

• Risk of Misuse and Addiction: Methadone is a controlled substance prone to misuse and addiction. Take it only as prescribed. Do not alter your dosage without consulting your doctor, especially if you have a personal or family history of substance use disorders or mental health conditions.

• Breathing and Heart Complications: Methadone can cause severe breathing difficulties (respiratory depression) and life-threatening heart problems (QT prolongation). These risks are higher when starting the medication, increasing the dose, or if used with other substances like alcohol. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms such as slow breathing, lightheadedness, or irregular heartbeat.

• Overdose Risk: Taking more methadone than prescribed can lead to overdose and death. Keep the medication secure from children, pets, or visitors to prevent accidental ingestion.

• Interactions with Other Drugs: Methadone can interact with many medications, affecting how it works. Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you are taking to avoid harmful interactions, particularly with drugs that cause drowsiness or affect serotonin levels.

• Pregnancy and Newborn Risks: Methadone can harm an unborn baby and may cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns if used long-term during pregnancy. Pregnant women should use the smallest effective dose and consult their doctor about the risks.

• Serotonin Syndrome: This rare but serious condition can occur if methadone is combined with medications that increase serotonin levels. Seek medical help if symptoms like high fever, muscle stiffness, or confusion appear.

• Blood Pressure and Adrenal Issues: Methadone may cause low blood pressure and low adrenal hormone levels, leading to dizziness or weakness. Stand up slowly to prevent falls and discuss persistent symptoms with your healthcare provider.

• Seizures and Blood Sugar: Methadone may increase seizure risk in individuals with a history of seizures and can cause low blood sugar in diabetics. Monitor and address any concerning symptoms promptly.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Do not abruptly stop methadone if you are dependent on opioids, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor for a safe plan to discontinue use.

• Contraindications: Methadone should not be used in individuals with severely slowed breathing, severe asthma, or specific gastrointestinal conditions. Always discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider before starting methadone.

For any serious side effects or overdose, seek immediate medical assistance.

When taking this medication, you may experience some common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sweating. These effects are often mild and may decrease over time. To manage constipation, consider increasing your intake of dietary fiber, drinking plenty of water, and staying active. If dizziness occurs, try rising slowly from sitting or lying positions. If these side effects persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

While most people do not experience serious side effects, it's important to be aware of them. Serious side effects that require prompt medical attention include breathing interruptions during sleep, mental changes like confusion or hallucinations, stomach pain, difficulty urinating, and symptoms suggesting adrenal gland issues such as unusual tiredness or weight loss. In rare cases, severe side effects like seizures or extreme drowsiness can occur.

Additionally, recognize the signs of a very serious allergic reaction, which is uncommon but requires immediate medical care. Symptoms include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical help. Please note this is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. Always discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure your safety.

Methadone can interact with various medications, potentially leading to significant health risks. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all other drugs, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, you are currently taking.

Some medications should not be used with methadone due to the potential for severe interactions. These include certain heart medications such as bepridil and cisapride, and antifungal drugs like fluconazole and itraconazole. Additionally, medications like naltrexone and safinamide can also cause interactions.

There are other drugs that, while usually not recommended, may still be prescribed with methadone in certain cases. These may include drugs for anxiety like alprazolam, muscle relaxants like carisoprodol, and some antibiotics like erythromycin. If these are used together, your doctor may need to adjust dosages.

The use of methadone with medications that cause drowsiness or breathing difficulties, such as other opioid pain relievers, alcohol, or drugs for sleep and anxiety, can increase the risk of serious side effects, including slowed or shallow breathing and severe drowsiness. Always check with your pharmacist and healthcare provider before combining these medications.

Methadone may also interfere with certain lab tests, potentially causing inaccurate results, so it is important to inform laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication.

Lastly, some medications may affect how methadone is processed in the body, which can influence its effectiveness. These include St. John's wort, some seizure medications like carbamazepine, and certain antibiotics. Always seek medical advice before starting or stopping any medication while on methadone.