Methadone and heart

[debhun]

I will be going to a heart Dr Monday and then to p/m on Friday. I just want to ask if they would take me off of the Methadone? If I do have trouble with my heart. What would I be able to take for pain med for my pain. I have learn one thing. Some of you all don't know what BC's are but I have stopped them 2 weeks ago. My pain with up from 3-4 to a 5-6 level. So I know that the BC have been helping in my pain. I will tell her when I go. She is going to be happy that I have quit them. But they are the best to take when you have a very bad headache.
But any how what do you all think about what they might do with my meds?

Thanks
Deb

[suede]

Deb,
I don't about them changing your meds but I went from methadone to generic Ms Contin (morphine) for myself I am much happier on it then I was the methadone.

I have never tried the BC powders but I remember my parents used them when I was growing up. if you don't mind my asking why did you stop taking them ?

Linda

[Nana4&cntn]

Deb, please don't 'borrow trouble' thinking about the what if's. I am sure the pm will come up with an alternative pain med if you need to change. Worry just isn't going to help you at all.

When I was stationed in the South, I used to take BC's. I think they are just aspirin and caffeine, like a tablet of Excederine. If they were helping your pain, did you stop due to the blood thining?

I guess my question is the same as Linda's.

Kathy

[Stetson]

I asked to go on methadone after being on ms contin for 3 years and still being in pain.
It seemed every 6 months I was going and asking for an increase in my pain meds.After
changing to methadone one increase in two years!I am and have been pain free since
the change.The only side effect is being tired so I take a generic form of Ritalin and I am good to go ,no more sleepy side effects.

[debhun]

My dr don't like me taking BC. They say they are not that good for you. My Aunt got a brain Bleed from them and they gave her 12 hours to live. But 2 years later she is still with us. So it is causeof my dr say no


Deb

[Peter B]

Deb,
I used to take a copious amount of Methadone. In what way is Meth bad for your heart? I'm interested because I was thinking about going back on it. If its' bad for your heart my doc wont write for it.

Pete

[lobelsteve]

Deb,
I used to take a copious amount of Methadone. In what way is Meth bad for your heart? I'm interested because I was thinking about going back on it. If its' bad for your heart my doc wont write for it.

Pete

Not bad for the heart muscle, just the way the electricity flows. Rare events increase the QT interval and can lead to Torsades de pointes.

Google that and you'll see what the hubbub is about.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

Deb,
I used to take a copious amount of Methadone. In what way is Meth bad for your heart? I'm interested because I was thinking about going back on it. If its' bad for your heart my doc wont write for it.

Pete

Dear Pete...

Here is a website to read.
http://www.azcert.org/

QT may be genetically present. Or precipitated by drugs. Electrolyte deficiencies that occur with poor diet, depleting drugs, diarrhea, etc, also may bring it on. There are many drugs that affect QT.
Everyday, more data comes out concerning a sad event someone had and ends up on these lists.

Methadone is the only opiate that causes this. It is suggested now that people being considered for methadone have a screening EKG to evaluate the QT under normal circumstances, and one later while the using the drug.
Anna Nicole Smith's son Daniel died in the Bahamas from this... a non overdose interaction between methadone and Lexapro.

There have been drugs taken off the market that had serious QT events.
Seldane, Hismanal, Propulsid are examples. It is thought now in hindsight that tens of thousands died on Seldane during the 10 yrs it was available. It was accidently discovered by a doctor in Georgetown, just before the FDA approved Seldane for over the counter use. Seldane was the first non-drowsy antihistamine approved by the FDA. No data existed for almost a decade on its lethal potential when used with antifungals and erythromycin.
Its patent was withdrawn by the company who made it, so no generics could be approved for it.

Every day new data comes forth on QT issues. So please check out the University of Arizona site I posted here.