Methadone Abuse, Please Help.?

Question by Krista: Methadone Abuse, Please Help.?
My mother has been on Methadone for some time now. Every time I am around her, I notice she “Nods Off”. She can be doing something as simple as texting someone, and literally nod off and drop her phone. Is this a sign she may be “abusing” the drug? I’ve read if the dosage is to high, or she is taking something else with the methadone, this can occur. Please help!!

Best answer:

Answer by DrGastro
The symptoms of Methadone abuse is very similar to the side effects opiates cause (heroin, OxyContin, hydrocodone, morphine, etc.). The common symptoms are drowsiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Abuse can lead to troubled sleep that leads to an unusual sleep schedule. Headaches, dry mouth, itchiness, fainting, lack of appetite, excessive sweating, flush, and weight gain are also common signs.

If she is experiencing breathing difficulty, irregular heartbeats, fainting, it is best to either call 911 or go to your nearest ER. Methadone abuse is very dangerous and deadly. Without medical intervention it is very unlikely the abuse gets better on its own.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) has very good resources that are local.

Good luck.

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