Methadone is a very strong painkiller. It is also used to treat heroin addiction. Methadone overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Methadone overdose can also occur if a person takes methadone with certain painkillers, such as oxycontin, Vicodin, or morphine.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Methadone

• Dolophine
• Eptadone
• Methadone
• Methadose
• Physeptone

Note: This list may not include all sources of methadone, and includes preparations that are taken by mouth (orally) or injected into veins, muscle, or under the skin.

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Pinpoint pupils
• Gastrointestinal
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Spasms of the stomach or intestines
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Low blood pressure
  • Weak pulse
• Lungs
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Breathing stops
  • Shallow breathing
  • Slow breathing
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Disorientation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle twitches (spasticity)
  • Weakness
• Skin
  • Blue fingernails and lips
  • Cold, clammy skin