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What Are The Long Term Effects Of Methadone On The Body?

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Posted on Thu, 19 Nov 2015
Question: i have been taking methadone for 10 years they say i will have to take both long and short term pain meds the rest of my life. but i have heard that methadone shortens your life span considerably. any information and answer you can provide i will be forever grateful.
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Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No life shortening if regular evaluation and consult with doctor

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Methadone is not alone in this. Every opioid or any other medication with significant side effects like methadone have a tendency to cause complications including death but that does not mean ones should stop taking meds prescribed. However keeping a balance and keeping it to the minimum and per need basis as methadone is an opioid and it has plenty of adverse effects from overdose complications to drug related adverse effects shown of which can be life threatening.

Nutshell, methadone prolonged use may cause issues and should be regularly followed up with addiction medicine specialist etc. Unless it is in recommended dose and limits provided by doctor, i don't see them to cause any life shortening or worries.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Are The Long Term Effects Of Methadone On The Body?

Brief Answer: No life shortening if regular evaluation and consult with doctor Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Methadone is not alone in this. Every opioid or any other medication with significant side effects like methadone have a tendency to cause complications including death but that does not mean ones should stop taking meds prescribed. However keeping a balance and keeping it to the minimum and per need basis as methadone is an opioid and it has plenty of adverse effects from overdose complications to drug related adverse effects shown of which can be life threatening. Nutshell, methadone prolonged use may cause issues and should be regularly followed up with addiction medicine specialist etc. Unless it is in recommended dose and limits provided by doctor, i don't see them to cause any life shortening or worries. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan