What is Methadone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Methadone

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Store the medicine in a safe and secure place. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Oral liquid: Mix with 2 tablespoons of liquid (unless your doctor tells you differently). Drink the medicine right away.

• Tablet for suspension: Mix it with water or another liquid, then drink the mixture right away. Do not swallow the tablet, and do not use it without mixing it in liquid first.

• Tablet: Swallow it whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or dissolve it.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: For pain: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. For narcotic drug addiction: If you miss a dose, take your next dose the following day as scheduled.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Store the medicine in a safe and secure place. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

• Oral liquid: Mix with 2 tablespoons of liquid (unless your doctor tells you differently). Drink the medicine right away.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Tablet: Swallow it whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or dissolve it.

• An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

• Missed dose: For pain: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. For narcotic drug addiction: If you miss a dose, take your next dose the following day as scheduled.

• Tablet for suspension: Mix it with water or another liquid, then drink the mixture right away. Do not swallow the tablet, and do not use it without mixing it in liquid first.

What to do if you miss a dose of Methadone

Methadone contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to methadone, or if you have severe breathing problems or paralytic ileus.

Methadone warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (including long QT syndrome), adrenal problems, breathing or lung problems (including asthma, COPD, sleep apnea), gallbladder problems, low magnesium or potassium in the blood, pancreas problems, stomach or bowel problems, or trouble urinating. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury, brain tumor, seizures, depression, or alcohol or drug addiction.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:High risk of overdose, which can lead to deathRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)Sleep-related breathing problems (including sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia)Heart rhythm problemsSerotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines)

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Methadone interactions

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, a benzodiazepine, or a muscle relaxer.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, a benzodiazepine, or a muscle relaxer.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

• Some medicines can affect how methadone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, desipramine, didanosine, erythromycin, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, ketoconazole, metaxalone, mirtazapine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, sertraline, stavudine, St John's wort, telaprevir, tramadol, trazodone, voriconazole, or zidovudineBlood pressure medicineDiuretic (water pill)LaxativesMAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 daysMedicine to treat depression, anxiety, or mental health illnessMedicine to treat heart rhythm problemsMedicine to treat HIV infectionPhenothiazine medicineSteroid medicineTriptan medicine to treat migraine headaches

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.