Side effects of methadone

These common side effects of methadone happen to more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Try to get more fibre into your diet by eating fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals. Drinking several glasses of water or other non-alcoholic liquid each day can help. If you can, it may also help to do some exercise.

If your symptoms do not go away, speak to a pharmacist or doctor about medicine to help prevent or treat constipation caused by methadone.

This usually wears off after a few days. Talk to your doctor if it carries on for longer.

If you feel sick, try taking your medicine with food. It may also help to avoid rich or spicy food. If you're being sick, try taking small frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration.

Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

This usually wears off within a couple of weeks as your body gets used to methadone. Talk to your doctor, key worker or prescriber if these side effects carry on for longer.

Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines if you're feeling tired or dizzy.

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. If headaches are severe or do not go away, talk to your doctor.

Speak to your doctor, key worker or prescriber if this does not go away. They may need to adjust your dose.

This usually improves as you get used to methadone.

For dry eyes, ask a pharmacist for advice about eye drops called artificial tears. For a dry mouth, have frequent sips of water or other cold drinks.

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or key worker if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.