Methadone hydrochloride (Diskets®, Dolophine®, Methadose®) is an opioid medication approved for the following uses:
- Treatment of moderate to severe pain
- Detoxification treatment ("detox") from heroin or other morphine-like drugs
- Maintenance treatment of addiction to heroin or other morphine-like drugs (long-term treatment with methadone in order to reduce usage of heroin).
This medication is a narcotic and is a "controlled substance" in the United States.
Brand-name Methadose is made by Mallinckrodt, Inc. Brand-name Dolophine is made by Roxane Laboratories. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
Methadone is a narcotic, opioid medication.
It binds to opioid receptors throughout the body and produces numerous different effects. It works for pain just like other opioids.
For detox and maintenance addiction treatment, methadone works in several ways, such as:
- Reducing the cravings for opioids
- Relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Blocking or reducing the euphoria and sedation of other opioids
- Providing stability (fewer highs and lows), compared with other opioids, due to slow elimination of methadone from the body.
This drug is not effective for treating addiction to non-opioid substances.
Abuse Potential
Methadone has significant potential for both psychological and physical dependence and abuse. In fact, it is classified as a controlled substance, which means there are special rules and regulations for prescribing and obtaining the medication.
Although any prescriber who is authorized to prescribe controlled substances can recommend methadone for pain relief, the prescribing (and dispensing) of it for drug treatment is restricted to certain authorized clinics and prescribers
(see Methadone Clinics).
Many of the rules and regulations regarding prescribing and dispensing this medication are designed to reduce the risk of methadone abuse.
When and How to Take Methadone
Some general considerations for those taking this drug include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of tablets, oral dispersible tablets, an oral solution (liquid), or injections. It is usually taken one to three times daily.
- Try taking methadone with food if it seems to bother your stomach.
- The dispersible tablets must be mixed in 120 mL (4 ounces) of water, orange juice, Tang®, citrus flavors of Kool-Aid® or other acidic fruit beverages prior to taking them. These particular tablets should not be swallowed whole or chewed. Although the methadone in the tablet will fully dissolve, some of the inactive ingredients in the tablets may not dissolve completely.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not increase your dose without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not suddenly stop taking methadone, especially if you have taken it regularly for more than several weeks (see Methadone Withdrawal).
The dose of methadone your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Whether the drug is used for pain or addiction
- How you respond to it
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Methadone
Just like any medicine, methadone can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Common side effects of methadone include, but are not limited to:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating.
(Click Methadone Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medicine if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with methadone can be dangerous. If you happen to take too much of this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should This Medicine Be Stored?
Methadone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Because it can be a desirable drug of abuse, make sure to keep it in a safe place.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you take methadone for pain and you forget to take a dose, simply take your missed dose right away (especially if you are in significant pain). However, make sure to wait the recommended time before taking it again.
If you take methadone for addiction and you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medication is available in the following strengths and forms:
- Methadone 5 mg and 10 mg tablets
- Methadone 40 mg dispersible tablets (for use only for addiction treatment, not for pain)
- Methadone 5 mg per 5 mL and 10 mg per 5 mL oral solution
- Methadone 10 mg per mL oral concentrate (for use only for addiction treatment, not for pain)
- Methadone 10 mg per mL injection.
Methadone also comes in a bulk powder form that is used by pharmacists or other appropriate healthcare providers to mix an oral liquid form. It should not be injected and is approved only for addiction treatment.
This medicine is available in generic form
(see Generic Methadone for more information).
