How Long After Taking Methadone Can I Take Percocet?

Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I took 50 mgs methadone over a period of four days. It's been 15 days since my last dose. Can anyone tell me when it's safe to take a Percocet again?

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Safer to take it three weeks after. One more week

Detailed Answer:
hi and thanks for the query

considering the dosage and the duration of methadone taken I will suggest you be patient again for a week before taking Percocet .

some advice two weeks later. I suggest three weeks in this case since 50mg was taken over four days. I think after three weeks it's safest to avoid any interactions or unintended side effects or outcomes.

thanks and wishing you the best of health.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (23 minutes later)

After 3 weeks, is there any way to estimate how much will be in my blood, liver and other organs? I would like it to be completely eliminated before taking anything else.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Blood test do exist

Detailed Answer:
hi and thanks for the follow up.

laboratories do exist that can measure the amount of methadone in blood.

complete removal from blood can take months. After three weeks however, the quantity remaining in the body is too small to cause significant drug interactions with other medications like Percocet.

thanks and kind regards

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (37 minutes later)

Should I be concerned about the amount in my organs after 3 weeks? I've read that accumulation in organs can increase toxicity. Apologies for the sea of questions!

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No worries

Detailed Answer:
hi and thanks for the follow up question

I do not think your questions are silly. taking methadone as such for this short while should not cause organ toxicity as you think. you need not be worried about organ toxicity especially after three weeks.

thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad