Methadone robs us of our libidos. it killed mine and it ook one month to rebound from that problem.

I have spoken with female members at chronic pain who also lost their sex drive do to methadone.

I am on MS Contin and still have some libido loss, but at least now I can get the job done.

While Methadone does affect the libido, it does NOT harm any organs in the body, nor would it cause any fluid retention. Nothing like that has ever been found. The same holds true for MS Contin and Oxycontin. These 3 meds are probably the safest on the body to take. I understand the fatigue, as it CAN cause sleepiness & drowsiness.

I'd ask my doc to look elsewhere for what's causing you to retain water, causing the swelling in the lower extremities. Best of luck and keep us posted! Hugs, Lee

I've been on Methadone since 2002 and it hasn't had any negative effect on me other than the sometimes fluid retention. But I can't say for sure if that's even from the Methadone since my family history for CHF is there and I had to have a cardiac cath recently. I'm taking 40 mg a day [20 in the am and 20 pm]. I've been on almost all of the pain medications but haven't heard of opana. I'll check into it with my doctor though cause if it really works and lessens the pain I'll try it. Good luck.

Thanks for the replies. Re: Opana ER, I asked my pain doc and he says it is only approved for cancer patients. It's other name is oxymorphone. It is evidently stronger than methadone as the conversion instructions say to prescribe 1/2 the daily dose. It is time released like Oxycontin (12hr) and it has a breakthru version called Opana IR. I've heard good things about it wrt pain mgmt. Anyway, I also have some other medical issues that may be causing my swelling. For one, I am on testosterone replacement therapy due to the effects of methadone on my hypothalmus. Second, I have chronic hepatitis C which can cause any number of ugly problems, including swelling. So I guess I was just looking for an easy fix,,just change meds...but it looks like I am going ot have to keep searching. Thanks again for your help.

cfr7009

I went of methadone about a month in half ago. I had been on it for at least 8 years and was able to reduce my doze from 90 mg a day to 6mg a day. Of course my Pain Dr was aware of it and advised me how to reduce it. But with only the 6 mg's and subbing it with long acting morephine it took at least a month to recover from the side effects. I was told that the half life was very long coming off of it. Since I stopped my cardiac problems (which exsisted prior to the methadone) muscle aches and pains have been a bear. But I have been on other meds that could cause the muscle aches.

Hope you find the problem, I feel like my body is just falling apart!!!
Good Luck
Nan

Methadone Effects

Sweating is often increased, especially at night.
Constipation is quite common. Drink plenty of water and eat more fruit,
vegetables, wholemeal and bran products.
Aching muscles and joints may be experienced, even when the dose of
methadone is adequate. Some people report rheumatism-type aches and
pains at various times.
Lowered sex drive is experienced with the use of any opioid, including
methadone and heroin. However, this may settle down.
Skin rashes and itching are experienced by some people.
Sedation (for example, drowsiness, especially soon after a dose).
Fluid retention causing swelling or puffiness of the hands or feet.
Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may occur.
Abdominal pain (cramps) may occur.
Tooth decay Methadone, like all opioids, reduces production of saliva.
Saliva contains antibacterial agents which help prevent deterioration of teeth
and gums. Poor or irregular diet and inadequate dental care also contribute
to tooth decay. Regular brushing and chewing sugar-free gum can prevent
tooth decay.
Changes to periods (menstruation) Many women have irregular periods
when they use heroin or other opiates. For some women, their menstrual cycle
returns to normal during methadone treatment, whereas others continue to have
irregular periods while on methadone. When starting a methadone program,
it is important to think about contraception, as you may start having periods
again, and be at risk of getting pregnant.
Other Potential Complications Due to Methadone's Effects Include:

runny nose, sneezing
abdominal cramps
feeling physically weak
loss of appetite
tremors
muscle spasm and jerking
goose bumps
tears
nausea/vomiting
yawning
diarrhea
back and joint aches
high temperature but feeling cold
sweating
irritability/aggression/feelings of uneasiness
difficulty sleeping and
cravings for the drug
drowsiness/nodding off
nausea/vomiting
shallow breathing
pinpoint pupils
below normal drop in body temperature
slow blood pulse, lowered blood pressure
heart palpitations
dizziness
problems with sexual functioning and
poor blood circulation
sweating (clients should drink at least two liters of water per day to avoid dehydration)
constipation
aching muscles and joints
lowered sex drive
skin rashes and itching
sedation
fluid retention
loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting
abdominal cramps
tooth decay
irregular periods