Long Term Effects of Methadone?
Question by Doc: Long term effects of methadone?
Ive been on methadone for pain for 5 years now my doctor doesnt seem worried but every time i miss a does for a day i get this terrible restless feeling,Icant sleep er anything till it subsides im taking 160 mgs a day and i’ve become used to it i guess so it doesnt even help my back pain that much these last few years.Anyway I was just worried because im only 19 I dont wanna have any long term side effects
My pain doctor has stoped writing scripts for the 40mg pills and instead im given the same amount in 10 mg pills.
Best answer:
Answer by DeltaQueen
Hi there.
What you are feeling when you miss a dose is withdrawal. It is not something that will be long term. As far as I know there are not any long term effects other than the fact that alot of people become addicted when using it for pain.
When Methadone is prescribed it is done with long term in mind. However if after 5 yrs it isn’t doing anything for your pain anymore then your doctor should probably change you to something else.
I feel like it would be negligent if I didn’t mention that these drugs of course are hard on your kidneys and liver and your doctor should be testing you blood often to make sure that your blood levels are good. Also, you should have your calcium checked oftern.
I know what its like to take alot of pain medication and wonder what it is really doing to my body. When I have a question that I really need a great answer from I call my pharmasist.
Hope this helped you a bit!! .
Answer by pete h
First off, I’m not your doctor and this is not medical advice…just facts..
160mg of methadone in a day is quite a bit…the average usage for opiod addiction is between 80-120mg per day. Still, it is rare for a clinic to start a treatment plan at above 30mg per day. Even more rare for a treatment plan to exceed 80mg/day. The reason I mention the MMT side of it is because opiod addicts typically present fewer adverse reactions to the drug than those who use methadone for pain management.
Methadone can have some pretty serious side effects at that large of a dosage, although not as much in those who are used to it.
Also, note that since Jan 1 of this year, larger dosage pills are being phased out as an analgesic. Your doctor will likely have a hard time perscribing you anything larger than a 10mg pill in the coming months. The 40mg dosage is restricted only to MMT.
Again, I’m not your doctor and I don’t know your situation. But if you are concerned about it, talk to another doctor. Pain management is not something to be taken lightly, and if you’re worried, you need to talk to someone.
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