long-term effects of methadone on osteoporosis in women

[R]

The above says it all. Details: I've been on methadone maintenance for 13 years and am almost 50; I wondered if there had been any research done on the effects of methadone on contracting osteoporosis. I'm not menopausal (/yet/) but am concerned what the future might have in store.

[jewl257]

MY mom has been on it since the 70"s she has bladder infections all the time she can hardly ever give a sample even when she has to go. she has problems sleeping. it stops working they up her dose she is suffering with bone degeneration she is 56 and she has no energy never did she has lost inches in her height and she has that long methadone look all her life upside down smile she will never come off. its sad she wishes she never went on.. When she did try to come of her body ached for months... now she'd die without it I truly believe. She is slowly visibly melting away on her liquid handcuffs....its sad

[Breathgiver]

I don't think it is M makeitfly. Really. something else is the cause. A urologist would know.  Check it out soon..................

[Breathgiver]

I too have been on M since 2003 for disc disease, fusion, spinal stenosis. I work full time as a Resp therapist, and also retired AF. Well anayway,I have a problem fully emptying my bladder, urinary functiion too.  If it is M, I don't think it is a serious problem though. Maybe just a minor side effect not leading to anything serious down the road, I'm thinking..... I am a guy 49

[makeitfly]

I have been on M, for about six years now and i have had no serious side effects. I have had one effect that has bothered me and i am looking for some long term info on it and that is the effect on the bladder and urinary functions. I feel that comments on this page are edited for content by those who have interest in shedding M. in a positive light. The urinary problems i have encountered are becoming severe. I'm not fully draining my bladder due to M.

[ladybug765]

I have been on methadone now for a year and a half. I believe that I was never given the correct follow-up and when my digestive quit working to the point where I could not eat except for liquids, I took myself off of the methadone. I did titrate down, as I was a nurse and now I am a psychotherapist. Methadone is the worst or most difficult drug to detox from compared to any medication in the field. Furthermore, I have found no research on the effects of methadone on hereditary degeneration of the bones and Spinal Stenosis. I believe that methadone can cause  faster degeneration! I base my believe on that fact that I have a sister who has the problem but has never been on methadone therapy.  I have a choice and it will never again be Methadone or any opioid in that class unless I was bedridden and possibly near death. This is my opinion and not really meant to scare anyone. Just research, research and research more. Med info changes often, as they find out more as time goes by. In some ways I feel like we are both pilgrims and guinea pigs when it comes to the field of medicine, especially in the area.

Good luck to everyone because I know that you are all going through a very difficult time in your lives. And thank you for sharing your luck or difficulties with methadone. Remember, no two people are alike and you are allowed your opinions. We can learn a great deal from each other! Thank you.

[Kova]

I am not prescribed Methadone but i get it from someone who is.  I take about 20mgs every 3 days, some weeks a bit more, some weeks not at all.  i have to say that it helps my depression, my allergies, my energy level, my motivation and overall attitude towards life.  i have experimented to see how much and often i can take it without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms, and 20mgs every few days seems to be fine.  it even helps with my chronic insomnia that i have had my whole life, and i wake up feeling rested and cheerful, never groggy or hung over.  the stuff just really seems to be my miracle drug and i keep trying to find a reason not to do it but i just can't!  when on it i am more motivated to exercise as well so that can only be positive!  can anyone give me a reason why i shouldn't take low levels of this drug that seems to do so many positive things for me?