Like all opiates, methadone crosses the placenta to the unborn child. Many of the babies born to methadone-dependent mothers go through withdrawal at birth. Their symptoms vary in length and strength. These can be successfully treated while the baby is still in hospital. Overall, women using methadone have fewer problems during their pregnancy than those who continue to use heroin. As small amounts of methadone may be passed on through breast milk, mothers that are on a methadone program are often encouraged to breastfeed in order to help ease the baby's withdrawal from methadone.

Methadone Effects

• Sweating is often increased, especially at night.
• Constipation is quite common. Drink plenty of water and eat more fruit,
  vegetables, wholemeal and bran products.
• Aching muscles and joints may be experienced, even when the dose of
  methadone is adequate. Some people report rheumatism-type aches and
  pains at various times.
• Lowered sex drive is experienced with the use of any opioid, including
  methadone and heroin. However, this may settle down.
• Skin rashes and itching are experienced by some people.
• Sedation (for example, drowsiness, especially soon after a dose).
• Fluid retention causing swelling or ‘puffiness’ of the hands or feet.
• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may occur.
• Abdominal pain (cramps) may occur.
• Tooth decay Methadone, like all opioids, reduces production of saliva.
  Saliva contains antibacterial agents which help prevent deterioration of teeth
  and gums. Poor or irregular diet and inadequate dental care also contribute
  to tooth decay. Regular brushing and chewing sugar-free gum can prevent
  tooth decay.
• Changes to periods (menstruation) Many women have irregular periods
  when they use heroin or other opiates. For some women, their menstrual cycle
  returns to normal during methadone treatment, whereas others continue to have
  irregular periods while on methadone. When starting a methadone program,
  it is important to think about contraception, as you may start having periods
  again, and be at risk of getting pregnant.

Other Potential Complications Due to Methadone's Effects Include:

• runny nose, sneezing
• abdominal cramps
• feeling physically weak
• loss of appetite
• tremors
• muscle spasm and jerking
• goose bumps
• tears
• nausea/vomiting
• yawning
• diarrhea
• back and joint aches
• high temperature but feeling cold
• sweating
• irritability/aggression/feelings of uneasiness
• difficulty sleeping and
• cravings for the drug
• drowsiness/nodding off
• nausea/vomiting
• shallow breathing
• pinpoint pupils
• below normal drop in body temperature
• slow blood pulse, lowered blood pressure
• heart palpitations
• dizziness
• problems with sexual functioning and
• poor blood circulation
• sweating (clients should drink at least two liters of water per day to avoid dehydration)
• constipation
• aching muscles and joints
• lowered sex drive
• skin rashes and itching
• sedation
• fluid retention
• loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting
• abdominal cramps
• tooth decay
• irregular periods