You should keep all appointments with the doctor. To test your tolerance to methadone, your doctor may order laboratory tests.
You should discuss with your doctor the availability of a rescue medication called Narloxone (e.g. at home or in the office) while you are taking methadone. Naloxone is used for the treatment of severe overdoses. It blocks the effects and causes dangerous side effects caused by high blood opiates levels. If you have small children or if someone has abused prescription or street drugs, your doctor might prescribe you Naloxone. Your family members, caregivers and other people who have contact with you should be able to recognize an overdose, use naloxone correctly, and know what to do until you receive emergency medical attention. Your pharmacist or doctor will teach you how to use the medication. Ask your pharmacist to provide the instructions. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for more details. If you feel the effects of an overdose, a friend or relative should administer the first dose. You can also call 911 right away and have them stay with your case until emergency medical attention arrives. After you have received naloxone your symptoms may return. If you experience symptoms that return, your doctor should give you another dose. Additional doses of naloxone may be given every 2-3 minutes if your symptoms are not resolved by medical attention.
If you have an overdose call poison control at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. You should immediately dial 911 if the victim has experienced a seizure, collapsed, difficulty breathing or is unable to be awakened.