Methadone and Conception: Risks & Considerations for Future Parents

Question
Hello. My husband and I are discussing conceiving our first child in a year and he has just started Methadone treatment for chronic pain. Will the Methadone affect our unborn child if my husband is taking it? I am 32 years old and my husband is 39.

Answer
Our experience with Methodone is confined to its use  in the treatment of meroin addiction. No increase in congenital defects has been observed. However,  since these patients normally consume a wide variety of drugs, it is not possible to separate completely the effects of methadone from the effects of other agents.  Neonatal narcotic withdrawal and low birth weight seem to be the primary problems.  Withdrawal symptoms occur in 60-90% of infants. HOwever, there are no studies showing any adverse effects to the baby when the father uses Methadone. There are no adverse affects on the sperm and I doubt that you have to worry.