Methadone Category: Opioids

Also called: meth, juice, phy.

How it’s used

Methadone is a green or blue liquid which you drink. It can only be prescribed by certain GPs. Methadone can help you reduce your cravings if you are addicted to heroin. It is an opiate, from the same family as heroin and morphine.

Short-term effects

Drowsiness, sleep
Slower, shallower breathing
Reduces cough reflex
Reduces pain
Dry eyes nose and mouth
Your blood pressure goes down

Long-term effects

Long-term constipation
Small pinpoint pupils
Sweating, itching
Pain in your bones
Teeth problems, so it’s important to brush your teeth

Other dangers

Your risk of overdose goes up if you take a break and then start using again as your tolerance will be lower
You are more likely to overdose if you drink alcohol and use benzos while on methadone
Methadone is poisonous to people who do not use it regularly so it is important to keep it out of reach of children or others in your home who may drink it by accident

If you are pregnant

If you are addicted to heroin, your doctor can prescribe methadone to stabilise you before your baby is born. Your baby may go through withdrawal symptoms after birth. Only use methadone under medical supervision and only during your middle trimester (3-6 months of pregnancy).

Addictive

Methadone is physically and psychologically addictive, so your body craves it and you feel you can’t cope without it. You can build tolerance so you need to take more to get the same effect.

Withdrawal

You will start withdrawal within 72 hours of your last dose. Withdrawal is less severe if you reduce your dose gradually rather than stop suddenly. Opiate withdrawal symptoms include aches, tremor, diarrhoea, sweating and chills, sneezing, yawning and muscular spasms. You may have sleep problems, cravings and mood swings for weeks.

How long does it stay in your system?

Methadone shows up in a urine test for 2-3 days. (The length of time depends on the test used, the amount you take, if you have other medical conditions and your own metabolism. Please use this figure as a guide only).

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Support from your doctor to reduce, stabilise or withdraw from methadone
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

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