HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Taking Methadone. Started Having Fluid Retention On Feet, Ankles And Below Knee. Side Effect?

default
Posted on Sat, 6 Apr 2013
Question: I'm currently a consumer at a local methadone clinic and have been for approximately 3 years. My daily dose is 200 mg. a day. I have started retaining fluids on my feet, ankles and legs below the knee on both legs which started over a year ago. Is this a side effect oof the methadone? I do not have heart problems, etc.,work full time, heavy construction.
doctor
Answered by Dr. E Venkata Ramana (40 minutes later)
Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

The swelling of legs due to fluid retention is called edema of dependent parts.

It is observed in persons with prolonged standing and in long journeys and it is normal in this situations in otherwise healthy persons. And this is transient and subsides within no time.

Fluid retention and edematous swelling of the legs is noted with immediately or after the long term use of the drug methadone.

But the other causes of fluid retention and persistent edema like kidney dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, and the thyroid dysfunction have to be ruled out by the proper examination and investigations by a General Physician.

Therefore I advise you to consult the Physician for the examination of your systems and ordering investigations to evaluate the causes for the fluid retention and swelling of legs.

At the same time you can take medical advise regarding the continuation of the drug methadone.

Hope I have answered your query, if you have any clarification please let me know.

Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. E Venkata Ramana

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3176 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Taking Methadone. Started Having Fluid Retention On Feet, Ankles And Below Knee. Side Effect?

Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

The swelling of legs due to fluid retention is called edema of dependent parts.

It is observed in persons with prolonged standing and in long journeys and it is normal in this situations in otherwise healthy persons. And this is transient and subsides within no time.

Fluid retention and edematous swelling of the legs is noted with immediately or after the long term use of the drug methadone.

But the other causes of fluid retention and persistent edema like kidney dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, and the thyroid dysfunction have to be ruled out by the proper examination and investigations by a General Physician.

Therefore I advise you to consult the Physician for the examination of your systems and ordering investigations to evaluate the causes for the fluid retention and swelling of legs.

At the same time you can take medical advise regarding the continuation of the drug methadone.

Hope I have answered your query, if you have any clarification please let me know.

Regards.