Last Updated:

May 16th, 2025

Taking Methadone as Part of the Detox Process

For decades, methadone has been a pivotal tool for millions of people in the battle against opioid addiction. It addresses the challenging withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings that emerge when you quit heroin, fentanyl and other opioids. It is these symptoms which often make quitting so hard, even if you are determined to stay sober. By easing these symptoms, methadone can both support you through the initial withdrawal phase and also significantly lower your chances of relapse.

Methadone-tablets-in-bottle

What is methadone?

Developed in pre-Second World War Germany, methadone was part of an effort to create pain relievers that were readily manufacturable and carried fewer risks of addiction than existing treatments like morphine. Known initially as “Hoechst 10820,” it was later marketed as “Dolophine,” a Latin word which means “end of pain” and under the brand name Methadose.

For the first few decades, methadone was used as a painkiller, particularly during the war when other painkillers were in short supply in Germany. In the 1960s, however, the effectiveness of methadone in opioid detox and relapse prevention became clear, and it has been synonymous with this use ever since.

Methadone detox medication comes in various tablets, injectable solutions and other forms so that it can be administered according to each person’s needs. It is strictly regulated in Britain, with a prescription from a GP or professional rehab clinic required for methadone.

What is methadone used for?

Opioids bind to and stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain, which are integral to managing pain and reward. Over time, this continual stimulation significantly changes the brain’s chemical balance. This creates a dependency that compels continued drug use to avoid withdrawal symptoms and keep your systems working.

If you quit or even try to ease off a little or reduce your dose, opioid withdrawal symptoms can hit fast. This is because the brain is suddenly being asked to maintain your systems and functions without the assistance of the drugs which have been helping. Your brain will eventually “remember” how to function on its own, but until it does, symptoms like extreme nausea, depression, sweating, sleeplessness and even hallucinations can be intense. This often causes people to start taking drugs again, even if they are determined to quit.

Methadone detox medication works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but without producing euphoric effects. This means that you can take methadone, not get high and avoid the intense withdrawal symptoms that may pull you back into using again.

Dolophine also has a very long half-life and gradual onset. This means that one dose a day is enough to keep cravings and withdrawal symptoms at bay, allowing you to go about your normal daily life. When combined with a comprehensive rehab treatment programme for the non-physical aspects of addiction, this can give you a fantastic chance of long-term recovery.

What are the potential methadone side effects?

Methadone addiction medication treatment does come with potential side effects, which can vary from minor nuisances to major complications. Which methadone side effects you will experience depends on everything from treatment length to dosage to just how healthy you are overall. It is important for anyone using Dolophine to tell their doctors about any methadone side effects they experience so that their healthcare providers can keep them as safe as possible. Some of the most common and generally manageable methadone side effects include:

In very severe cases, methadone side effects can be more serious and include:

  • Respiratory problems and even potential respiratory depression
  • Heart rhythm fluctuations
  • Mental health issues and mood swings
  • Bowel obstruction due to extreme constipation
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) – potential methadone withdrawal symptoms in the newborn child of a mother taking methadone while pregnant

The chances of these severe methadone side effects are reduced by following your prescription exactly and seeking help straight away if you experience any complications when using methadone.

Is methadone addictive?

While methadone is very effective in opioid recovery, it can itself be addictive in some cases. While it doesn’t create a high, methadone withdrawal symptoms can be intense, ironically mirroring those of the opioid drug you are trying to withdraw from. This can keep you hooked on methadone long-term and can even push you back into other forms of drug use. Some of the most common methadone withdrawal symptoms include:

These methadone withdrawal symptoms can take several days to appear after you last used the medication due to its half-life. They can also last far longer than withdrawal symptoms of other opioids because of how long methadone stays in your body.

The key to successfully managing withdrawal lies in a carefully structured tapering plan. By gradually decreasing your methadone dose, your body can adapt slowly to the reduced levels, easing withdrawal symptoms significantly.

It is also important that you receive therapy for the emotional and mental parts of addiction recovery. It can be easy to become dependent on methadone out of fear of returning to other forms of drug use. With a comprehensive opioid rehab programme, you can eventually learn to live and flourish without any drugs, methadone included.

Methadone-pills-on-table

Notable Dolophine drug reactions

Dolophine’s potential to interact adversely with other drugs is another reason why anyone using methadone detox medication needs professional supervision. These potential drug interactions can lead to heightened methadone side effects, diminish the effectiveness of both drugs and sometimes pose severe health threats. Here are some of the most notable methadone drug reactions:

Cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers and inhibitors

The enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 plays a critical role in how your body processes Dolophine. When other medications that inhibit this enzyme are taken, they can increase methadone concentrations, leading to an elevated risk of methadone side effects. On the other hand, medications that stimulate the enzyme can lower methadone levels, potentially triggering withdrawal symptoms.

Heart medications

When Dolophine is used in conjunction with cardiac medications, particularly those treating arrhythmias, there is an elevated risk of complicating heart rhythm issues. The interaction can lead to QT prolongation, which may trigger serious and potentially fatal arrhythmias.

Serotonin-impacting medications

Interactions between Dolophine and medications that affect serotonin levels can also lead to severe outcomes. Mixing methadone with drugs such as tramadol, SSRIs, triptans, and SNRIs can all precipitate serotonin syndrome. This is a potentially life-threatening condition which causes confusion, a swift heart rate, increased blood pressure and muscle stiffness.

CNS depressants

The effects can be dangerously magnified when Dolophine is mixed with other substances that slow down the central nervous system. This mix can profoundly affect essential functions like breathing and heart rate, increasing the likelihood of severe complications such as respiratory depression.

Antiretroviral drugs

People receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS often face challenges with Dolophine interactions. Some antiretroviral medications can change methadone’s metabolic rate, leading either to increased toxicity or decreased effectiveness. Adjusting the methadone dose can help manage these effects, ensuring that treatment for both conditions remains effective and safe.

Contact us today to learn more about methadone and the detox process

If you are struggling with opioid addiction, getting advice and support from a professional can be a massive step forward. Addiction Helper can tell you everything you need to know about methadone detox medication and help you begin treatment. Get in touch with us today, and let us be your guides to a sober future.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buprenorphine vs methadone: What is the difference?
Buprenorphine and methadone are both used to treat opioid addiction, but they work differently. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, meaning it fully activates opioid receptors, whereas buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which activates these receptors to a lesser degree. This makes buprenorphine potentially less addictive and easier to withdraw from compared to methadone, though your doctors will decide which medicine is best for you.
What are methadone overdose symptoms?
Methadone overdose symptoms can be severe and life-threatening, including difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, slow heart rate, blue-coloured lips and fingernails, pinpoint pupils and unconsciousness. Methadone overdose requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to coma or death if not treated promptly.
How long can you be on methadone?
The duration of methadone treatment can vary widely among individuals, depending on the severity of your addiction and your specific health needs. Some people might take methadone for a few months, while others may need to continue treatment for several years or even indefinitely. Decisions about the length of treatment should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider based on your unique circumstances and progress in treatment.

(Click here to see works cited)