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.

[awakan]

I can't say if methadone caused my osteoporosis but it don't run in my family, and I have often wondered but that to me is not really the point. One of the reasons I got off was because it made me feel really uninspired about life in general, I became really complacent about every aspect of my life. And most importantly for me I have always valued my freedom, and the thought of something having so much control over my life just p**sed me off in general. I never had a problem getting it except when on the maintenance program. For me this last run on that f**ked up stuff was doctor prescribed for pain. I have never met so many people in my life that are happy to be on it, every dope fiend I know who has ever spent any substantial amount of time on it pretty much would rather kick their habit than go on that s**t again or if they do take it only for a few days to get through the worst of their withdrawals. I mean I have heard that their are people who think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, but holy f**king cow who wants to have their life tied to something that restricts your life in so many ways?? not to mention the fact that I don't believe in those medical research buttcracks anyway they have an interest in every thing they do and it is not always science. However this is just my humble opinion...a-wakan

[Sunni449]

Have you spoken with your doctor? I have DDD. Its hereditary for me. I had it before I started Methadone. and actually, The methadone is the only thing that actually touches the pain for me. Anyways, Im sorry for your DDD, but you should REALLY check into it more before you go around blaming Methadone for a hereditary disease like that.

[Trudy A. Sasscer]

I believe methadone (which I was on for five years, caused me to have degenerative disc disease.  I was on methadone from March 30, 1995 until June 1, 2000.  At the beginning of that time frame I had a MRI, it was fine, my MRI taken in April 2000 shows
extensive degeneration of the bones in my spinal column (nickel sized holes), also Spinal Stenosis.  This is an awfully short period of time for all this damage.  I THINK THE METHADONE DID IT.  I believe this aspect should be looked into.

[Frankinscense]

Again, I have researched extensively methadone used for the purpose of addiction and have found no negative results. The FDA and other federal agencies raked methadone over the coals trying to find something wrong with it. THERE RESEARCH revealed nothing. It has been researched for 45 years by numerous researchers all over the planet again,nothing. There are seventy year old man and women taking methadone for their disease and have absolutely no negative effects from methadone.  
                                                                
I challenge anyone that finds fault in what I write. Go do your research from any reputable medical research organisation and give me something negative on methadone when used for addiction. Methadone is given to pregnant mothers,people with advanced HIV and aids,diabtes,cancer,immune disorders,blood red and white cell problems,and many other disorders only to find that methadone has no ill  effect on any of these medical problems. When taken as prescribed methadone is probably one of the safest drugs on the planet. I am not saying that it should be taken by anyone for simple pains or addictions but for COMPLICATED pains and addictions. Pains that have not responded to other medicines, and addictions that have not responded to counseling techniques and abstinence. I am not saying methadone is a cure all. But for addicts that have relapsed over and over and exausted all techniques to abstain there is MMT. AND IT SAVES LIVES IN THIS RESPECT!! HARM REDUCTION is the key here my negative no named friend. It is people like you that put questions in peoples minds in regards to using methadone for complicated opiate addictions! MMT SAVES MANY LIVES AND until people realise this many lives will be lost due to uninformed myths and messages that uninformed,ignorant politicians and media representantives pass to us, the general public! People,lose your prejudices to MMT it is a life saver for many addicts.  Where LIVES are concerned, I tend to be blunt and staightforward. That is why many people do not like my approach.
And, I apologise to no one for my blunt, straightforward approach!    Dan...                                                            

[Dan, you're the Man]

I have been reading Dan's numerous postings touting the wonderful benefits of Methadone, and absence of any ill effects. Although some of his posts are a bit forceful and one-sided, I have decided that as a methadone-user, his defensive diatribes must be warranted. And since the research apparently shows NO ill effects if taken as perscribed, I must say: I'm gonna go for it!!! Nothing negative! No toxic effects! Guaranteed, regardless of my addiction or medical history or current afflictions! Yippee!
Dan, you've sold me. And any addict looking to this forum for advice and support: go get Methadone immediately. Don't worry about your personal experiences, your doctor's opinion, or your medical history. Just think: addiction, one solution. Just take it as prescribed, and you'll have no ill effects. Life will be just a jolly ole' time.

PS--I was tempted to research this myself. However, as you so eloquently mentioned above, I will avoid this because I might encounter some opinions to the contrary. And oh, my goodness, what a travesty that would be. After all, let's all assume that we are dumb and uninformed and unable to read something and derive our own opinion.

[Jess, to R!!! Please read this....]

Just want to let you know, although Dan's lengthy post was very flattering to the uses of Methadone, he admitted that:

quote: "...I did not see research directly related to MMT and menopause."

So the advice on your other forum agrees with Dan's post (if you get around all the other stuff he said, which doesn't have a heck of a lot to do with menopause or osteoporosis risk). Osteoporosis risk factors, menopausal treatment and contraindicated medications, etc.--I would consult with a physician on this. Determining your risk factor has more to do with your family/medical history and a medical exam (for example, bone density tests--not very expensive, but very worthwhile for anyone who is peri-menopausal). There are many research studies that debate the various hormone-replacement therapies (HRTs) and osteo-"prevention" treatments, let alone interactions with other medications. I am not saying that there is or isn't any interaction or need for concern--I'm just suggesting that you consult with an doctor. I think Dan means well, but this is a something that is fairly personal and I don't think it can be answered by saying "methadone is great, there are no ill effects" and ending it there.
Also, may I suggest looking for some research using Medline as your search engine? You can access Medline for free through the National Institutes of Health website (NIH) or a site called PubMed. Once on Medline, search for osteoporosis, menopause, Methadone, HRT, etc. This is a database containing medical research abstracts from the past decade. Some abstracts will give you ample summaries, and other times you might have to order the article from your local library. Good luck, and post if you learn anything so other women can learn, too!!