About Methadone and Buprenorphine - Drug Policy Alliance

Concerns About Overdose (cont.)Can I overdose on heroin whileI am taking methadone?Yes. Even while taking methadone,if you take too much heroin –especially if the heroin is unusuallystrong – you could overdose. Youincrease the odds of overdosingon heroin while you’re takingmethadone if you mix it withsedatives, alcohol, or other drugs.What if I stop going to mymethadone program?If you stop taking your methadoneand return to using street drugs,you can overdose more easily thanwhen you last used. When you stoptaking methadone, your body willrapidly develop a lower tolerance forthe heroin. As soon as your methadonecompletely wears off (a coupleof days), your tolerance for heroinwill be lower than it was when youbegan taking methadone. So, if youdecide to use again, you need to bevery careful. Take some precautions– always be sure there are otherpeople with you when you’re using,in case you need medical attention,and test the effect of the drug onyou before you take an entire dose.What happens if I start takingmethadone again after I havestopped?If you stop taking methadoneeven for a few days, you need tobe careful when you start takingit again. Your body may have lostsome of its tolerance for themethadone, so you could overdose.You need to restart at a lower doseand work back up to the levelyou were at when you stopped.The doctor at the clinic can helpyou determine the right dosages.24 About Methadone and Buprenorphine