Methadone does include a variety of side effects that a patient may endure, although these are less intense than the side effects of opioid use and opioid withdrawal. Even when taken correctly, short-term methadone use can have certain side effects such as restlessness, nausea, vomiting, shallow or slow breathing, itchiness, heavy sweating, diarrhea or constipation, weight gain, changes in mood or appetite, trouble sleeping, headaches and abdominal cramps, dry mouth, and vision problems. Methadone can also cause more serious side effects even when taken as directed, which is why medical supervision is a requirement of treatment. If you experience any of these more severe side effects, talk with the medical professionals administering your methadone treatment or contact your primary care physician. These side effects include lightheadedness, breathing problems, hives or a rash, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, a hoarse voice or trouble swallowing, abdominal cramps, severe drowsiness, unusual menstrual periods, and swollen lips, tongue, throat, or face. Although the side effects of methadone sound frightening, opioid withdrawal symptoms and potential relapses are much more threatening, as these can result in fatality. When taken as prescribed, this medication cannot result in overdose. If patients receive methadone through a non-certified source to self-medicate, they may end up developing a dependence on this similar to opioid dependence, and are at risk of overdose. Methadone overdose symptoms include slow breathing, slow heart rate, severe drowsiness, weak muscles, cold or clammy skin, small pupils, and fainting. The best way to avoid methadone overdose is to only receive treatment from a licensed medical professional at a rehab or methadone clinic. However, if you have been taking non-regulated methadone and experience adverse effects, it is important to be honest with your doctor about your methadone use. Long term methadone use can also foster a dependence on the medication, which is why doses are specially mixed for each patient with lower doses over time to wean them off of the drug and avoid methadone dependence. When taking methadone, patients should avoid alcohol consumption and be cautious when driving or operating machinery. It’s also important to store the medication at room temperature, as well as keep it away from light sources. Patients should avoid MAT if they are not receiving it from a medical professional, or if they have become addicted to the drugs prescribed before. Methadone should also be avoided in patients who take other medications, such as anti-anxiety, antidepressants, pain medications, sleeping pills, or medication for heart arrhythmias as the drug interactions can produce dangerous side effects. If you plan to become or are pregnant, do not take this medication. If you have low blood pressure, heart disease or heart rhythm disorders, an electrolyte imbalance, liver or kidney disease, breathing disorders or lung disease, are prone to seizures, or have pancreas or thyroid problems, then methadone treatment is not right for you.