METHADONETRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have severe, around the clock pain, you may be prescribed Methadone.Methadone is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly asprescribed it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Methadone works, let’s look at how pain affects your body.Thousands of tiny nerve cells in your body sense many feelings, like cold, heat,pressure, and pain. When your body is injured, the tiny nerve cells send a message toyour brain that says: ‘I’m in pain here!’Methadone works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.Methadone comes in a tablet. Your healthcare provider will decide how much youneed to take but dosages range from 5 milligrams to 10 milligrams. Make sure youunderstand exactly what you are taking and how you are supposed to take it to avoidinjury.Methadone is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it.Do not take Methadone if you have asthma or other breathing problems, or a blockagein your stomach or intestines.If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcareprovider before taking Methadone. It may harm your baby.Before taking Methadone, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: headinjury, seizures, liver, kidney or thyroid problems, problems urinating, heart rhythmabnormalities, and pancreas or gallbladder problems.Methadone can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of street drugs,prescription medications or alcohol, tell your healthcare provider. There may 20%begradienta meshdifferent medication available for you.Some side effects of Methadone include: constipation, stomach pain, nausea,healthclipsvomiting, headache, sleepiness, and dizziness. If you do notice any of these sidehealthclipseffects contact your healthcare provider about how to manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Methadone. healthclipsGet upfrom a sitting or lying position slowly.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10036_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshMETHADONETRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howMethadone affects you.Do not drink alcohol while taking Methadone. Drinking alcohol while taking thismedication can cause serious side effects leading to death.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, extreme tiredness, or feellike you may pass out; call your healthcare provider right away.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Methadone exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longerthan prescribed.Methadone should be taken at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it assoon as you remember. Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose. Return toyour normal medication schedule as soon as possible.Methadone is not used for pain that comes and goes. If you are still in pain whiletaking Methadone, talk to your healthcare provider.If you think you have taken too much Methadone, call 911. An overdose of Methadonecan cause serious breathing problems that can lead to death.Store Methadone away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit can get too hot or too cold.20% gradient meshAlways store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.healthclipshealthclipsBecause Methadone is a narcotic that can cause dependency, it can be a very desirabledrug to addicts. Lock this medication up to prevent stealing and abuse.healthclipsWhen you are done taking Methadone, crush all of your remaining tablets and mixhealthclipsthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds.(Continued on nextpage)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10036_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshMETHADONETRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Do not sell or give your Methadone to anyone else. It is against the law and canseriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for moreinformation on proper disposal directions.Methadone can help relieve your pain. But it is a powerful medication that should onlybe taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Methadone, ask yourhealthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10036_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
