Are you considering taking methadone as part of an opioid treatment program? Are you wondering how long does methadone stay in your system? Detox and treatment plans can include a combination of medication and therapy. Opioid addiction can be painful and dangerous. As a result, the FDA approved methadone usage in detox. Methadone tapers alleviate or reduce withdrawal symptoms from opioids. Learning all you can about methadone and treatment can improve the odds of successful treatment.
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What is Methadone?
Methadone is an opioid medication used by the FDA for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. Detoxing from opioid addiction can be painful physically and mentally. The use of Methadone reduces opioid cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms. How long does methadone stay in your system when used with detox? Methadone can be detected from two to fourteen days from the last dose, although trace amounts could remain for weeks.
Four types of drug tests detect methadone. Hair, blood, saliva, and urine testing allow for the safe management of methadone during treatment. Methadone does not appear in regular opioid testing, so it is essential to use those four methods when testing for methadone. How long does methadone stay in your system? These tests will indicate positive for methadone.
- Hair tests. Used for long-lasting abuse, this test shows positive in trace amounts for months after usage has ended
- Blood tests. Can result within 30 minutes of last use but incur a higher cost
- Urine testing. The most common for drug treatment, detects one hour to several weeks from the previous dose
- Saliva tests. Will report the presence of methadone 30 minutes after usage
Safe Use of Methadone
It is a confusing theory to use drugs to stop taking drugs. Medication-assisted treatment is not always a method to use in all treatment centers. It is controversial and usually is a long-term treatment option. Dosages are closely monitored and not meant to be shared. Methadone treatment for outpatient treatment is widespread. How long does methadone stay in your system in these cases? Tests to monitor usage are always in play.
Methadone is a drug, so overdose is possible. How long does methadone stay in your system? These critical factors must be a constant consideration. When the desired effects of the methadone wear off, you can still detect the active ingredient in methadone in the body. Ensuring the safe use of methadone in treatment by following these tips can achieve safe use.
- Follow prescription guidelines completely, storing medication safely away from children and light at room temperature.
- Do not use alcohol while taking methadone.
- Do not share methadone with anyone.
- Be careful driving and operating machinery while taking methadone.
- If an accidental overdose occurs, call 911.
- Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Signs and Symptoms of Methadone Use
If you are still wondering how long does methadone stay in your system, never forget why you are taking the drug. Methadone usage for detox from opioids can be safe, but you must take precautions. Close monitoring of side effects is also essential. In addition, learning what side effects may cause an emergency is paramount. Finally, report all side effects to the prescribing doctor or treatment team. Common side effects of methadone use can include the following symptoms:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slowed breathing
- Restlessness
- Itchiness
- Excessive sweating
- Constipation
- Sexual performance issues
Serious side effects of methadone to report to your doctor could include the following:
- Breathing difficulties extended shallow breathing
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Hives or rash, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Chest pain
- Pounding heartbeat
- Hallucinations or confused thinking
Methadone Overdose Precautions
With any drug use, there is a concern for overdose. Accidental overdose can occur when prescription guidelines are met if you do not adhere. How long does methadone stay in your system is key to this problem. Missing a dose and then taking additional methadone could cause an overdose.
Education in your program is also vital to being successful with MAT. Talk to your doctor about Naloxone. Naloxone is used to reverse an opioid overdose and has successfully saved lives. Always being aware of how long does methadone stay in your system can help to recognize dangerous overdose signs. Watch for the following symptoms of a methadone overdose.
- Slowed and shallow breathing
- Tiny or small pupils of the eyes
- Excessive drowsiness or sleepiness
- Cold, clammy, blue skin
- Unresponsiveness
- Limpness
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women and Methadone
Pregnant or breastfeeding women can safely take methadone. MAT is often relied upon to detox an addicted expectant mother. Reducing withdrawal symptoms helps the pregnant woman manage opioid addiction while lowering the percentage rate of miscarriage and premature birth. How long does methadone stay in your system, and does it affect the baby? Babies can experience withdrawal symptoms are Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Close monitoring of these infants is imperative. For mothers breastfeeding their babies, the benefits of breastfeeding are significant enough to overlook the small amount of methadone that reaches the baby’s system.
Find Treatment for Methadone Overdose in Tennessee
Detox West Tennessee offers both treatment for methadone overdose and medically assisted treatment. Our experience with methadone has produced successful treatment and recovery. Still have questions about how long methadone stays in your system? We are here to answer those questions, provide assessment and design an individual treatment program. We have all types of services to meet your needs. Contact us today.