Does Methadone Cause Problems in Urination?

Is Difficulty Urinating Among the Side Effects of Methadone?

Methadone hydrochloride (most often referred to as simply methadone) is a medication that treats opioid addiction and severe chronic pain conditions. It has a higher side effect profile than some other medications used for the same purposes. Difficulty urinating is a side effect caused by various prescription drugs.

But does methadone cause problems in urination? The short answer is, yes: it absolutely does.

If you experience difficulty urinating or other side effects of Methadone, you have options. Purpose Healing Center is here to help you find an approach to opioid addiction treatment that works for you.

Let’s talk about why methadone causes problems in urination, signs to look out for, and treatment options, as well as how our team can help.

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Why Does Methadone Cause Problems in Urination?

Trouble urinating and decreased urine output are possible methadone side effects. But why does methadone use cause problems in urination?

Methadone binds to opioid receptors in the urinary tract. This can lead to:

Inhibited bladder contraction. Opioids, including methadone, inhibit the parasympathetic nerve fibers that typically signal your bladder to contract and empty.
Increased bladder sphincter tone. The bladder sphincter is the muscle that holds urine in the bladder. Opioids increase their tightness, causing urine retention and bladder distension.
Altered sensation. Opioid drugs may reduce feelings of bladder fullness. This can delay the urge to urinate.

Dehydration caused by side effects of methadone, like excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also make urination more difficult. Dosage can impact the severity of urinary retention and other side effects.

What are the Signs of Urinary Retention Due to Methadone?

Signs of urinary retention can include:

Complete inability to urinate
Difficulty starting or maintaining a urinary stream
Frequent urges to urinate (even if you can’t)
Urinating often, but in small amounts
Severe pain in the lower abdominal area
Dribbling or leaking urine
High blood pressure
Urgent need to pee
Bloating

Urinary retention can be acute or chronic. Acute urinary retention may be life-threatening. Chronic urinary retention progresses more slowly and causes fewer symptoms. As time goes on, it can still lead to complications, including more frequent acute episodes.

How is Urinary Retention From Methadone Treated?

Catheterization is the main treatment for urinary retention. Urinary catheterization involves inserting a tube into the urethra to drain your urine. Though it’s a common procedure, this can be uncomfortable. Usually, urinary catheters are only a short-term fix.

Prolonged catheterization can impair quality of life. It’s not recommended unless it’s necessary. The best way to avoid the risks of urinary retention is to address the underlying cause – in this case, that would be taking methadone.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have urinary retention. Letting your doctor know what’s going on means that they can help you sooner rather than later.

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What are the Risks of Opioid Induced Urinary Retention?

Urinary retention caused by methadone and other drugs can cause discomfort, but that’s not all. The inability to urinate increases your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder or kidney stones, and bladder muscle damage.

In severe cases, pressure from an overly full bladder can lead to acute kidney injury. This requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent complications. For example, chronic kidney disease and failure.

What are the Most Common Additional Side Effects of Methadone?

When you start methadone treatment, your prescriber should go over all of the side effects, risks, and complications with you. Other than urinary retention, these can include, but are not limited to:

Nausea
Severe constipation
Blurred vision
Irregular heartbeat
Trouble sleeping
Sweating
Dry mouth
Increased thirst
Sedation
Weight gain
Dizziness
Headache
Confusion
Cough

Some possible effects of methadone require immediate medical attention. For example, respiratory depression, seizures, fainting, and serious allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.

You can overdose on methadone. If you or someone you know experiences loss of consciousness, chest pain, cold or clammy skin, trouble breathing, or lack of responsiveness, seek help immediately.

How Purpose Healing Center Helps

Your quality of life is important. Here are some of the ways our team can help you with methadone-induced urinary retention.

Full Medical Detox for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping methadone treatment can be challenging. After prolonged use, your body must get used to functioning without your regular methadone dose. Stopping methadone can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms. Detox is recommended for those going through withdrawal.

Purpose Healing Center provides full medical detox in an inpatient environment. We can help you get through methadone withdrawal, with staff available to closely monitor and treat your symptoms as needed. This can also help to reduce relapse risk.

Alternative MAT Medications for OUD

MAT is an effective approach to treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Some people who are experiencing unfavorable side effects from methadone may benefit from switching to another medication. For example, buprenorphine comes with lower rates of urinary hesitancy compared to methadone.

We offer a variety of alternatives to methadone syrup or tablets. Whether you’re in an inpatient or outpatient program at Purpose, our team is here to help you find the right fit for you.

Transitioning From Methadone Maintenance Treatment to Other Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Side effects like trouble urinating are just one possible reason someone might transition from methadone maintenance to an alternative treatment for opioid addiction.

Methadone Overdose Risk

The risk of methadone overdose may lead someone to transition from methadone maintenance treatment to another medication. For example, Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) is known for its superior safety profile. This is a common methadone alternative.

Ease of Use

Also relevant is ease of use. Typically, people who take methadone require daily visits to methadone clinics. Suboxone is more flexible, usually prescribed weekly with take-home doses. You can reach a maintenance dose of Suboxone within a few days.

Call Purpose for Help With Methadone Side Effects and Get Alternatives Today

The side effects of methadone can impact anyone. It’s not an easy thing to overcome. Having a strong support system and access to treatment matters. While medication can be an essential part of recovery, it may take trial and error to find the right fit. That’s where we come in.

Purpose Healing Center provides comprehensive drug abuse and mental health treatment in Arizona. Our programs combine therapy with medication as needed to help people like you achieve whole-person recovery.

Call us to find support for yourself or a loved one who is facing methadone side effects today.

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FAQs About Methadone and Problems in Urination

Can methadone cause opioid induced urinary retention?

Yes. Methadone and other drugs used for pain relief and opioid addiction can cause urinary retention.

What drugs cause urinary retention?

Various drugs are associated with urinary retention. Other than prescription opioids, these can include but aren’t limited to benzodiazepines, antihistamines, and some antidepressants.

How long does urinary retention from opioid pain medication last?

It depends. Opioid urinary retention can last for up to 24 hours. Usually, it resolves when prescription pain medicine leaves the body. If you’re on methadone therapy for addiction, switching to another medication may be necessary.