Final answer:
The nurse should inform the client taking methadone for substance use disorder that they may experience constipation, monitor for weight gain, but not expect insomnia. Methadone helps manage withdrawal symptoms but should not be abruptly discontinued if a productive cough or other issues arise.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse providing teaching to a client with a substance use disorder and a new prescription for methadone should include several important pieces of information. Among these, the nurse should mention that methadone, like other opioids, can cause constipation. While methadone is used in the treatment of heroin addiction due to its ability to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, it also shares some common side effects with other opioids, including constipation.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid used in methadone maintenance therapy to help individuals manage withdrawal from opioids, as it produces similar effects to other opioids with less euphoria, which allows patients to avoid the highs and lows associated with heroin use. The drug reduces the painful symptoms of opioid withdrawal and helps the recovering individual maintain a more stable daily function. However, clients should be aware that methadone therapy is not without its side effects, which may include weight gain and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
It is also crucial to educate clients that methadone should not be discontinued abruptly, especially if a productive cough develops, as this is not a recognized side effect of methadone and discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Instead, any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider. Clients should be monitored for the side effects of methadone, including the potential for weight gain, but should not expect it to cause insomnia, as insomnia is not a typical side effect of opioid use.