Although we’ve talked about mixing methadone and Xanax, what about taking oxycodone and methadone together?
Methadone and oxycodone are two analgesic drugs that produce similar effects to the opioid morphine. Opioids are derived from opium poppy plants and are highly addictive. Despite the medical use of these substances, their high potential for abuse and addiction has contributed to the current opioid epidemic in the United States. As a Pompano substance abuse treatment center, we’re well aware of how common it is for addicts to mix different opioids or narcotics together to experience a more intense high, which brings our focus to this question: Can you take methadone and oxycodone together?
What Is Methadone, and What Is It Used For?
Methadone is a synthetic analgesic drug that’s similar to the opioid morphine but produces longer-lasting side effects. Methadone is used as a substitute drug in morphine, heroin, or other forms of opioid addiction treatment. As a synthetic opioid agonist, methadone works by acting on opioid receptors in the brain to eliminate withdrawal symptoms and alleviate drug cravings. Although it does attach itself to opioid receptors in the body as opioids do, it does so more slowly and doesn’t produce euphoria in people who are opioid-dependent.
Common side effects of methadone include:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Restlessness
- Difficulties sleeping (insomnia)
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased sex drive
- Impotence
Keep in mind that methadone is addictive because it acts similarly to other opioid drugs. Additionally, when two opioids like oxycodone and methadone mix, this can produce serious side effects and increase the risk of an opioid overdose. If you’re struggling with an addiction to opioids, Banyan Pompano can help you decide whether PHP treatment or any other form of addiction treatment is best for you.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is an opioid or narcotic that’s used to treat moderate to severe pain. Like other opioids, oxy has a high risk of addiction and dependence. Individuals who take higher doses than recommended or prescribed can also suffer from an oxycodone overdose, which is characterized by symptoms like respiratory distress and death.
Some common side effects of oxycodone include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea and/or
Reports of oxycodone abuse have indicated that crushing or chewing oxy pills increases the impact of its side effects, meaning people feel a rush or intense high when they use it this way. People tamper with oxycodone’s mechanism of action by crushing or chewing the pill or crushing and dissolving the pill to inject it. In addition to mixing it with other substances, taking oxycodone in any way other than directed by a doctor can lead to overdose. Most people die from opioid overdoses mainly because these drugs impair a person’s ability to breathe.
What Happens When You Take Methadone and Oxycodone Together?
Can you take methadone and oxycodone together? No, you shouldn’t. Both of these drugs are central nervous system depressants, meaning they reduce activity in the brain and spinal cord, which can affect functions like breathing and heart rate. When you take methadone and oxy together, you may experience respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Additionally, doctors don’t allow patients to take methadone and oxycodone prescribed together.
Other side effects of taking methadone and oxycodone together include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impairment in judgment
- Impaired reaction speed
- Impaired motor coordination
Respiratory depression is the most common and deadliest symptom of an opioid overdose because it slows a person’s ability to breathe to the point where they’re simply not getting enough oxygen in their system. Although some people do receive medical attention in time to avoid death, they may suffer opioid brain damage if they’ve been unconscious for a certain amount of time.
You don’t have to be addicted to drugs to experience an overdose. Any form of substance abuse is dangerous and can result in permanent physical damage. If you have a drug problem, let us help. Call Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our drug treatment in Pompano Beach. .
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