Why does methadone make me put on weight
And Should I Diet?
There is actually nothing about the chemistry of methadone itself or the way if
affects the body that would make a person put on weight. However, this is a common
complaint of patients in MMT programs. A survey in 1984 reported that about 1 in
10 patients had gained weight, although 1 in 20 persons actually lost weight while
on methadone. So, the situation is entirely opposite in different patients, which
supports the view that methadone itself is not the cause.
One common explanation for the weight gain is water retention but,
in most cases, it is found that the patient is taking other medications that cause
water retention or there is another reason. Many medications, such as some (but
not all) antidepressants, cause weight gain as a side effect. Furthermore, there
is the fact that many persons in MMT are simply taking better care of themselves,
and eating much better, than they did while leading a life of substance addiction.
A more healthy diet (talk to a dietitian) and some regular exercise could go a long
way in helping to control weight problems.
During recovery, improved nutrition also can help heal physical damage to the body
caused by nutrient depletion. However, nutrition is often neglected by patients
and it might be unlikely to take top priority in addiction treatment programs.
Scientists seem to agree that substances of abuse may cause nutritional deficiencies;
however, a direct link between these and addiction has not been fully accepted.
Also, the notion that special diets and/or nutritional supplements may be viable
adjunctive or stand-alone treatments for addiction requires further research. Nevertheless,
given an appreciation of the possible importance of diet during recovery and an
interest in better nutrition, there are some obstacles and concerns to overcome,
such as:
- The nutritional component of addiction recovery does not appear to be an exact science
and it must be individualized for meeting particular patient needs.
- Patients must be motivated to change their eating habits and have access to recommended
nutritional items. They also need to know how to shop for and prepare nutritious
foods.
- Some patients may not have the financial resources to purchase appropriate foods
and/or supplements.
- Some foods and nutritional supplements may negatively interact with prescribed medicines,
such as methadone, antidepressants, and other drugs.
- The prescription of multiple pills and tablets (e.g., vitamins, herbal products,
others) in persons already known to have a preference for using chemicals to control
their mental states may pose problems.
- Dietary supplements are available at health food stores everywhere and via the Internet,
which may promote inappropriate consumption. Patients need to understand that they
should not take any products without the approval of clinic staff.
- Clinic medical staff must become familiar with the many nutritional supplements
available, their applications, and potential for harmful interactions. This can
be a daunting task.
Some persons have believed that the prepackaged liquid form of methadone is fattening,
which is untrue. For example, Methadose ®* cherry oral concentrate does contain
sucrose syrup (a natural sugar) to deter potential injection of the product. However,
in a 100 milligram dose there are only about 15 calories (or 1.5 calories in each
milliLiter of Methadose) – about the same calories as in one Life Saver candy and
ten times less than in a single can of a sweetened lemonade or cola drink.
This also means that the amount of sugar in this methadone product would not be
harmful for persons with diabetes. However, if there are still concerns, Methadose
®* brand of oral methadone concentrate comes in a sugarless formulation, which also
is unflavored and colorless.
*Methadose® is a registered trade mark of Mallinckrodt, Inc.; St. Louis, MO.