Methadone Injection In Ohio | Uses, Side Effects, & Abuse Potential

In some parts of the United States, methadone injection may be an approved form of medication-assisted treatment to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. Injecting methadone can cause serious side effects such as respiratory depression, heart arrhythmia, and collapsed veins.

According to Ohio law, methadone injection is not an approved use of methadone in the state. Methadone treatment in Ohio is only legal if it is a liquid solution taken by mouth. Injecting methadone in Ohio is a form of substance abuse.

Methadone may only manage opioid withdrawal syndrome if it is given by licensed physicians and nurses in an opioid addiction treatment program. 

Outside of controlled environments, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for drug abuse. Illegally injecting methadone can increase your risk of serious adverse effects.

Uses Of Methadone Injection

Outside of Ohio, intravenous methadone hydrochloride solutions may be sold under the brand name Dolophine.

Doctors prescribing intravenous methadone may give methadone and buprenorphine to opioid withdrawal patients in a controlled, safe environment. 

Outpatient treatment programs may not offer intravenous methadone, and may use buprenorphine to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms instead.

Uses Of Methadone Injection In Ohio

In Ohio, methadone solutions are not approved for intravenous use. Methadone maintenance treatment in Ohio may only use oral methadone to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone solutions can be illegally injected to feel stronger effects of methadone, or to get high. These forms of methadone use are forms of illicit prescription drug use.

Side Effects Of Methadone Injection

Abusing intravenous methadone can cause severe central nervous system, or CNS depressant effects, including analgesic (pain relief) effects and euphoria. You may also experience side effects such as:

• dry mouth
• constipation
• sedation
• drowsiness
• irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)
• decreased blood pressure (hypotension)
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• trouble breathing
• skin rashes
• collapsed veins
• higher risk of infection

These effects may be more severe in high doses of methadone.

Abuse Potential Of Intravenous Methadone

Outside of controlled environments such as methadone maintenance treatment programs, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high-risk of substance abuse. Injecting methadone in Ohio is a form of methadone abuse.

Taking methadone as directed can reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms and help you manage opioid addiction. Abusing methadone can increase your risk of serious adverse reactions and long-term health problems.

Drug Interactions

Mixing methadone with phenytoin, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine may lead to worsening opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and severe pain. 

These drug interactions may be more likely when you are injecting methadone and a healthcare professional is not monitoring your drug use.

Talking to your doctor before mixing methadone with other opioid agonists, benzodiazepines, and some dietary supplements may reduce your risk of serious side effects.

Methadone Overdose

Injecting methadone can effectively introduce a higher dose of methadone into the body compared to oral use. Higher doses of methadone can increase your chances of a life-threatening opioid overdose.

Symptoms of a methadone overdose may include:

• trouble breathing (respiratory depression)
• lack of a pulse
• loss of consciousness
• clammy skin
• gurgling noises

Overdose victims may be given naloxone, a drug that can restore a patient’s breathing, before proper medical attention arrives.

Risk Of Addiction

Your risk of drug addiction may increase when illegally injecting methadone in Ohio. Drug addiction, also known as a substance use disorder, can be a mental health condition where you are unable to stop taking methadone despite ongoing health effects.

A substance use disorder may also include withdrawal symptoms such as severe pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms can make quitting methadone abuse difficult without professional help.

Abusing methadone may result in a referral to an Ohio addiction treatment program, where you may receive individualized treatment based on your personal health and needs. 

To find out if our inpatient opioid addiction treatment options work for you or your loved one, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.