Levomethadyl (Systemic)

Brand Names : Orlaam, LAAM, LAM, levacetylmethadol, levo-alpha-acetylmethadol, levomethadyl acetate, MK790

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Signs and symptoms of overdose

Cold, clammy skin; confusion; convulsions (seizures); dizziness (severe); drowsiness (severe); low blood pressure; nervousness or restlessness (severe); pinpoint pupils of eyes; slow heartbeat; slow or troubled breathing; weakness (severe)

Also, tell your counselor at the clinic as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Mental depression; skin rash; swelling of face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs; weight gain

At each visit to the clinic, be sure to tell your counselor if any of the following side effects occurred after your last dose of levomethadyl:

Signs of too much levomethadyl

Drowsiness (severe); feeling ``wired''

Signs of not enough levomethadyl (withdrawal symptoms)

Body aches, diarrhea; fast heartbeat; gooseflesh; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; runny nose; shivering or trembling; sneezing; stomach cramps; trouble in sleeping; unexplained fever; unusually large pupils of eyes; weakness; yawning

The withdrawal side effects listed above may also occur after levomethadyl treatment has been stopped or during a changeover from levomethadyl to methadone. Always check with your counselor at the clinic if withdrawal side effects occur after you stop taking levomethadyl .

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your counselor at the clinic if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain; constipation; general feeling of discomfort or illness; joint pain; sexual problems in males

Less common or rare

Anxiety; back pain; blurred vision; chills; coughing; decreased desire for sex; dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint when rising from a lying or sitting position; drowsiness; dry mouth; false sense of well-being; flu-like symptoms; headache; hot flashes; muscle pain; unusual dreams; watery eyes

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.