Side Effects of methadone: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Methadone is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder, but it can also have a number of side effects. Studies have found that methadone can cause various side effects, including constipation, nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and cardiac problems. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to discuss them with your doctor.

Reasons for Side Effects

Methadone works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found throughout the body. This can lead to side effects in various organ systems, such as the digestive system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system.

Common Side Effects

Constipation

Methadone can slow down the movement of the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation. 11

Nausea and Vomiting

Methadone can cause nausea and vomiting, which can be a common side effect for some patients. 11

Respiratory Depression

Methadone can suppress breathing, which can be a serious side effect. 11

Weight Gain

Methadone is known to be associated with weight gain, but the extent of weight gain can vary from person to person. 14

Sexual Dysfunction

Methadone can negatively impact sexual function. Studies have found that sexual dysfunction is one of the most frequent side effects associated with methadone use. 2

Cardiac Effects

Methadone can have adverse effects on the heart, including QT prolongation, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and sinus bradycardia. 17 16

Other Side Effects

Other side effects of methadone may include fatigue, dizziness, sweating, headache, and muscle aches. 1

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Countermeasures for Constipation

To prevent constipation, drink plenty of fluids and eat a diet rich in fiber. If necessary, consult your doctor and consider using laxatives.

Countermeasures for Nausea and Vomiting

If you are concerned about nausea or vomiting, eat small, frequent meals. Also, consult your doctor and consider using anti-nausea medication or antiemetics.

Countermeasures for Respiratory Depression

If you experience symptoms of respiratory depression, consult your doctor immediately.

Countermeasures for Weight Gain

To prevent weight gain, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. 14

Countermeasures for Sexual Dysfunction

If you are concerned about sexual dysfunction, consult your doctor.

Countermeasures for Cardiac Effects

If you are concerned about cardiac effects, get regular heart checkups. 16

Comparison of Studies

Similarities of Studies

Many studies have shown that methadone is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder, but they have also shown that it can cause side effects.

Differences of Studies

Methadone side effects vary from patient to patient, and the side effects reported in studies also vary. For example, some studies report weight gain, while others do not.

Notes on Real-Life Application

Methadone is an effective drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder, but it is important to understand the risk of side effects. If you are taking methadone, follow your doctor's instructions and monitor your health regularly.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of methadone is not yet comprehensive. In particular, the side effects of long-term methadone use are still largely unknown.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on the side effects of methadone. In particular, research needs to be conducted on the side effects of long-term methadone use, ways to reduce methadone side effects, and the effects of methadone on specific populations.

Conclusion

Methadone is a valuable treatment option for opioid use disorder, but it is essential to be aware of its potential side effects. If you are taking methadone, open communication with your doctor is crucial to manage any potential side effects and ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.

Literature analysis of 18 papers
Positive Content
11
Neutral Content
4
Negative Content
3
Article Type
1
1
2
6
17
1.

Oral methadone for chronic noncancer pain: a systematic literature review of reasons for administration, prescription patterns, effectiveness, and side effects.

Author: SandovalJuan Alberto, FurlanAndrea D, Mailis-GagnonAngela

Minor side effects
Pain reduction
Overrated effectiveness
Uncontrolled literature

Oral methadone is used for various noncancer pain syndromes, but its effectiveness is based on primarily uncontrolled literature. Well-designed controlled trials may provide more accurate information on the drug's efficiency.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

2.

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among male patients on methadone and buprenorphine treatments: a meta-analysis study.

Author: YeeAnne, LohHuai Seng, Hisham HashimHelenna Maria bt, NgChong Guan

Buprenorphine better for sexual dysfunction
High prevalence of sexual dysfunction

This meta-analysis found that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was higher among male patients on methadone treatment compared with buprenorphine treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

4.

Ginseng treatment improves the sexual side effects of methadone maintenance treatment.

Author: FarniaVahid, AlikhaniMostafa, EbrahimiAlireza, GolshaniSanobar, Sadeghi BahmaniDena, BrandSerge

Sexual dysfunction improvement

Ginseng extract demonstrated potential to ameliorate methadone-related sexual dysfunction in female and male patients with opioid use disorder receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Patterns of care and side effects for patients prescribed methadone for treatment of chronic pain.

Author: MaceyTara A, WeimerMelissa B, GrimaldiElizabeth M, DobschaSteven K, MorascoBenjamin J

High discontinuation rates
Methadone monitoring inadequate

This study found that methadone and morphine sustained release (SR) were prescribed at similar rates for chronic pain, with few patients receiving an electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to or after initiating medication. Both medications were discontinued at high rates before 90 days due to adverse effects or insufficient pain relief.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

6.

[Methadone and levomethadone - dosage and side effects].

Author: SchoofsNikola, RiemerThomas, BaldLena Karoline, HeinzAndreas, GallinatJürgen, BermpohlFelix, GutwinskiStefan

Opioid maintenance
Methadone preferred
Side effects

Levomethadone was dosed significantly higher than methadone in patients with opioid dependency receiving opioid maintenance therapy (OMT). While some side effects occurred more often under levomethadone after adjusting for dosage, methadone remains the first-line treatment for OMT.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : German

7.

Functional genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 gene in relation to cardiac side effects and treatment dose in a methadone maintenance cohort.

Author: WangSheng-Chang, HoIng-Kang, TsouHsiao-Hui, LiuSheng-Wen, HsiaoChin-Fu, ChenChia-Hui, TanHappy Kuy-Lok, LinLinen, WuChi-Shin, SuLien-Wen, HuangChieh-Liang, YangYi-Hong, LiuMing-Lun, LinKeh-Ming, LiuShu Chih, WuHsiao-Yu, KuoHsiang-Wei, ChenAndrew C H, ChangYao-Sheng, LiuYu-Li

Cardiac side effect

This study explored the impact of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms on methadone maintenance therapy, specifically investigating their influence on dosage, plasma concentration, and side effects. The results suggest that CYP2C19 genetic variations may influence methadone dosage requirements, plasma concentrations, and cardiac side effects, particularly in patients who continue using heroin.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Self-reported side effects in buprenorphine and methadone patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: results from the MANIF 2000 cohort study.

Author: CarrieriM Patrizia, RouxPerrine, CohenJulien, RavauxIsabelle, DellamonicaPierre, ProtopopescuCamelia, SpireBruno, RosenblumAndrew

Reduced symptoms

Methadone treatment was associated with fewer self-reported symptoms in HIV-infected opioid dependent individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to buprenorphine treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

10.

Oral methadone for chronic noncancer pain: a systematic literature review of reasons for administration, prescription patterns, effectiveness, and side effects.

Author: SandovalJuan Alberto, FurlanAndrea D, Mailis-GagnonAngela

Minor side effects
Pain reduction
Overrated effectiveness
Uncontrolled literature

Oral methadone is used for various noncancer pain syndromes, but its effectiveness is based on primarily uncontrolled literature. Well-designed controlled trials may provide more accurate information on the drug's efficiency.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

11.

Intrathecal methadone and morphine for postoperative analgesia: a comparison of the efficacy, duration, and side effects.

Author: JacobsonL, ChabalC, BrodyM C, WardR J, IretonR C

Postoperative analgesia
Facial pruritus
Nausea and vomiting
Respiratory depression
Urinary retention

Intrathecal morphine (0.5 and 1 mg) provides superior postoperative analgesia to 1 mg methadone. While morphine provided effective and prolonged analgesia, methadone was unable to ensure the same degree of analgesia. The median pain scores were consistently higher following methadone than morphine. The time to onset of severe discomfort requiring supplemental morphine was also significantly longer after morphine than methadone. Respiratory depression was common following morphine 1 mg, but not associated with methadone and morphine 0.5 mg. Facial pruritus was unique to intrathecal morphine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

12.

Side effects in methadone patients: a survey of self-reported complaints.

Author: LongwellB, KestlerR J, CoxT J

Increased complaints

Methadone maintenance led to a decrease in the number and severity of complaints reported by patients. However, 11 out of 38 complaints were reported as more severe after 9 months of methadone.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Side effects of levomethadone and racemic methadone in a maintenance program.

Author: JudsonB A, HornsW H, GoldsteinA

Levomethadone and racemic methadone were compared in 66 patients with no significant differences found in side effects, drug use, clinic attendance, and dose changes.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

15.

Case Report: Buprenorphine-precipitated fentanyl withdrawal treated with high-dose buprenorphine.

Author: BormannNicholas L, GoutAntony, KijewskiVicki, LynchAlison

Buprenorphine efficacy
Opioid withdrawal treatment
Fentanyl complications
Precipitated withdrawal

High doses of buprenorphine can be safely and effectively used to manage opioid withdrawal precipitated by buprenorphine in patients with fentanyl use disorder. This case report shows that buprenorphine can be a useful tool for preserving or re-establishing confidence in this life-saving medication.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

16.

Opioid Agents and Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Literature Review.

Author: GolibkhonAzamatov, Akbar Gafur UgliBazarbaev, Makhamadjonov Farkhod UgliMuzaffar

Pain relief
Arrhythmias
QT prolongation

This review examines the impact of opioids on the prolongation of the QT interval and their arrhythmogenic susceptibility.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

17.

Weight change among patients engaged in medication treatment for opioid use disorder: a scoping review.

Author: CarrMeagan M, LouRaissa, Macdonald-GagnonGrace, PeltierMacKenzie R, FunaroMelissa C, MartinoSteve, MashebRobin M

Opioid use disorder treatment
Weight gain

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) is an effective way to reduce opioid use and overdose. However, weight gain is a potential side effect of MAT. This scoping review examined the effects of MAT on weight and found that methadone appears to be associated with mild to moderate weight gain.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

18.

One-year survey of methadone-induced cardiac complications.

Author: TaheriSeyed Kazem, BawandRashed, SanginabadiFarid, KhansariNakisa, MoradiAbbas

cardiac side effects
methadone poisoning

This study aims to understand the cardiac side effects of methadone in patients with methadone poisoning. Methadone is a useful opioid for therapeutic goals, but can be abused and cause gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac complications.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

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