Are you taking Methadone? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Methadone with certain foods, herbs, or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.
Benmebarek M, Devaud C, Gex-Fabry M, Powell Golay K, Brogli C, Baumann P, Gravier B, Eap CB. Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of methadone. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Jul;76(1):55-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.03.007. PMID: 15229464.
Go to source).
Levine B, Saady J, Fierro M, Valentour J. A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality. J Forensic Sci. 1984 Apr;29(2):655-9. PMID: 6202821.
Go to source).
References
1. Benmebarek M, Devaud C, Gex-Fabry M, Powell Golay K, Brogli C, Baumann P, Gravier B, Eap CB. Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of methadone.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Jul;76(1):55-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.03.007. PMID: 15229464.
2. Levine B, Saady J, Fierro M, Valentour J. A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality. J Forensic Sci. 1984 Apr;29(2):655-9. PMID: 6202821. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6202821/
3. National Library of Medicine: Methadone MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682134.html
Methadone Interactions with Food and Herbs
Grapefruit:Taking Methadone with grapefruit juice increases the drug level in the blood, which can result in unwanted side effects (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceBenmebarek M, Devaud C, Gex-Fabry M, Powell Golay K, Brogli C, Baumann P, Gravier B, Eap CB. Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of methadone. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Jul;76(1):55-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.03.007. PMID: 15229464.
Go to source).
Methadone Interactions with Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Methadone as it can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating and impairment in thinking (2✔ ✔Trusted SourceLevine B, Saady J, Fierro M, Valentour J. A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality. J Forensic Sci. 1984 Apr;29(2):655-9. PMID: 6202821.
Go to source).
When and How to Take Methadone
- Methadone is available only on prescription.
- It comes in the form of a tablet, a dispersible tablet, a solution and a concentrated solution that can be taken orally with or without food.
- When used to relieve pain, Methadone can be taken every 8 to 12 hours.
- Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
- Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
- Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose.
- Withdrawal symptoms: If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, backaches, anxiety, stomach cramps and decreased appetite (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Library of Medicine: Methadone MedlinePlus Drug Information.
Go to source).
References
1. Benmebarek M, Devaud C, Gex-Fabry M, Powell Golay K, Brogli C, Baumann P, Gravier B, Eap CB. Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of methadone.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Jul;76(1):55-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.03.007. PMID: 15229464.
2. Levine B, Saady J, Fierro M, Valentour J. A hydromorphone and ethanol fatality. J Forensic Sci. 1984 Apr;29(2):655-9. PMID: 6202821. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6202821/
3. National Library of Medicine: Methadone MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682134.html
