Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose

Generic Name: methadone (Pronunciation: METH a done)

• What is methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• What are the possible side effects of methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• What is the most important information I should know about methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• How should I use methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• What happens if I overdose (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• What should I avoid while using methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• What other drugs will affect methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?

Methadone is a narcotic pain reliever, similar to morphine. Methadone also reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs without causing the "high" associated with the drug addiction.

Methadone is used as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs.

Methadone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Dolophine 5 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 162

Methadone 10 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with METHADOSE 10

Methadone 10 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 142

Methadone 5 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 210

Methadose 5 mg

round, white, imprinted with METHADOSE 5

What are the possible side effects of methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• shallow breathing;
• hallucinations or confusion;
• chest pain, dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat; or
• trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling anxious, nervous, or restless;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• feeling weak or drowsy;
• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite; or
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about methadone (Diskets, Dolophine, Methadose)?

Taking methadone improperly will increase your risk of serious side effects or death. Even if you have used other narcotic medications, you may still have serious side effects from methadone. Follow all dosing instructions carefully.

Like other narcotic medicines, methadone can slow your breathing, even long after the pain-relieving effects of the medication wear off. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak. Never use more methadone than your doctor has prescribed. Call your doctor if you think the medicine is not working.

Do not stop using methadone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Call your doctor if you miss doses or forget to take this medication for longer than 3 days in a row.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking methadone. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with methadone. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.

Methadone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.