Methadone Withdrawal Side Effects

Various side effects may become present when an individual begins to withdraw from methadone.  Some of the side effects of methadone withdrawal are not severe and do not require medical attention while others may necessitate immediate emergency care in order to ensure the safety of the recovering addiction.  Because methadone withdrawal side effects do carry the potential to become severe and to need medical treatment, it’s important not to every attempt methadone detox alone.  Medical monitoring and support should always be top concern when methadone detox is started.

Severe Side Effects of Methadone Withdrawal

The most severe side effects associated with methadone withdrawal can lead to complications including heart failure, renal failure and potentially death.  These side effects should be immediately addressed by a physician to ensure the safety of the patient:

• Hallucinations
• Severe shaking or seizures
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever
• Coma
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Chest pain

Less Severe Side Effects of Methadone Withdrawal

Some side effects do not warrant immediate medical care but should still be monitored to ensure that they do not rapidly progress into something that is a medical problem.  Some of the less severe side effects of methadone withdrawal include:

• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite

If you or someone you love is suffering from methadone withdrawal and shows any of the above signs, it’s important to remain under medical care for the duration of the methadone detox to ensure your safety.  Methadone withdrawal can be a dangerous part of the overall addiction treatment and recovery process but it’s also a very necessary part.  There are some ways that the withdrawal symptoms can be managed so it’s important to talk with your doctor or counselor about any of the withdrawal symptoms that you are experiencing.