Methadone, Methadose, Methadone Intensol
Generic Methadose Sugar-free
Methadone (METH a done) is a generic medication prescribed to adults for severe pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments and for opioid use disorder. Methadone belongs to a group of drugs called opioids.
Methadone (METH a done) is a generic medication prescribed to adults for severe pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments and for opioid use disorder. Methadone belongs to a group of drugs called opioids.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 10mg
- • 120 Tablets
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Introduction
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA on May 15, 2023
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
These uses are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The approved uses differ based on the form of methadone your doctor prescribes.
This article describes methadone’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of methadone.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of methadone. To find out more about methadone oral concentrate, see this article.
Boxed warnings
Methadone has boxed warnings about the following risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.
- serious breathing problems with all forms of methadone (tablet for oral suspension, liquid solution for injection, oral solution, oral tablet, and oral concentrate)
- serious harm if taken with certain other medications with all forms of methadone
- serious long QT syndrome with all forms of methadone
- overdose from accidental ingestion with methadone tablet for oral suspension, oral solution, oral tablet, and oral concentrate
- misuse and addiction with all forms of methadone
- restricted use for opioid addiction in detoxification programs with all forms of methadone
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome with methadone liquid solution for injection, oral solution, and oral tablet
- medication errors with methadone oral solution
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for methadone” section below.
Common questions about methadone
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about methadone.
Is methadone similar to Suboxone or Subutex?
Yes, in some ways. But these drugs also have some differences.
Methadone and Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) are prescribed to treat opioid use disorder. But unlike methadone, Suboxone comes as a film that dissolves on your tongue. Methadone comes in various forms, some oral, but isn’t available as a film.
Unlike methadone and Suboxone, Subutex is no longer marketed in the United States. But its active drug, buprenorphine, is available in generic form. (An active drug is an ingredient that makes the drug work.)
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about how methadone compares with Suboxone or other medications for opioid use disorder.
Does methadone stay in your urine for a long time?
It depends. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions or concerns about how long methadone may remain in your urine.
If your job requires a urine drug test, let your doctor know. They can notify your employer that you’re legally prescribed methadone and can provide appropriate documentation if requested.
What is methadone’s half-life? How does the drug work?
Methadone has a half-life ranging from 8–59 hours. A drug’s half-life describes approximately how long it takes for your body to get rid of half of a dose after you take one.
Methadone is an opioid drug that works on opioid receptors in your body to reduce the pain you feel. For providing pain relief, methadone begins working shortly after you take a dose.
For opioid use disorder, you may not notice methadone working right away. Talk with your doctor for details about your treatment plan for opioid use disorder. They can discuss with you what your goals and progress should look like.
Is there a way to get methadone in an emergency?
It depends. There are different laws in different states about getting a controlled substance like methadone in an emergency.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about accessing methadone in an emergency.
Can methadone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases methadone may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, and some may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug. These side effects may differ based on the form of methadone you take or receive.
Examples of long-term side effects include:
- serious long QT syndrome, which may cause long-term problems
- orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure and dizziness when standing or sitting up), which may last throughout treatment
- severely low blood pressure, which may last throughout treatment
- adrenal insufficiency (low adrenal hormone level), which may last throughout treatment
Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible long-term side effects of methadone and how to best manage them.
Does methadone come as a brand-name drug?
Yes, one brand-name methadone product is available in the United States. Methadose is a brand-name form of methadone oral concentrate and tablet for oral suspension.
Other forms of methadone are not available as a brand-name drug.
For more information about Methadose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of methadone
Methadone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of methadone and its serious side effects are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about methadone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for methadone.
* To view methadone’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of methadone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of methadone you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about methadone’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for methadone.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Mild side effects of methadone oral tablet and liquid solution for injection include:
- feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- sleepiness
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view methadone’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methadone” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of methadone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of methadone you take or receive.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about methadone’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for methadone.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, methadone’s serious side effects include:
- orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure and dizziness when standing or sitting up)
- dangerously low blood pressure
- adrenal insufficiency (low adrenal hormone level)
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t actually there)
- mood changes that can be severe
- seizures
- boxed warnings: risk of serious breathing problems, serious harm if taken with certain other medications, serious long QT syndrome, overdose from accidental ingestion, misuse, restricted use for opioid addiction in detoxification programs, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, and medication errors†
- severe allergic reaction†
* To view methadone’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methadone” section below.
Dosage of methadone
The dosage of methadone your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should receive.
Taking or receiving methadone
Methadone oral tablet, oral concentrate, oral solution, and tablet for oral suspension are taken by mouth with or without food.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take methadone. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Methadone liquid solution for injection is given as an injection by a healthcare professional. Your doctor will explain how this form of methadone will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how much you’ll receive and how often.
Overdose of methadone
You should not take more methadone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much methadone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Interactions and warnings for methadone
Below, you’ll find information about methadone’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of methadone
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take methadone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription and over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for methadone” section below.
Warnings for methadone
Some people should not take methadone, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warnings
Methadone has boxed warnings about the following risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Risk of serious breathing problems. Methadone can cause dangerously slow, shallow breathing that can be life threatening. This side effect can occur even when methadone is taken as prescribed.
In addition to slow, shallow breathing, other symptoms include wheezing and a blueish tint on light skin.
If you experience serious breathing problems from taking methadone, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with the drug. But if your symptoms feel life threatening, immediately call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
Risk of serious harm if taken with certain other medications. Taking certain medications together with methadone increases the risk of serious, life threatening side effects, including overdose and serious breathing problems. Examples of these medications include:
- benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin)
- sedatives, such as zolpidem (Ambien)
- central nervous system depressants, including alcohol
Discontinuation of certain medications taken together with methadone may also increase the risk of serious, life threatening side effects. Examples of these medications include:
- phenobarbital (Sezaby)
- phenytoin (Phenytek)
Due to this risk, it’s very important to discuss all medications you take with your doctor and pharmacist before you start taking methadone. They can look for possible interactions that increase your risk of serious side effects.
Risk of serious long QT syndrome. Serious long QT syndrome is a type of irregular heart rhythm.
Long QT syndrome can cause an irregular heart rhythm called torsades de pointes, which is life threatening. Symptoms of torsades de pointes include dizziness, pounding heartbeat, and cold sweats. In rare cases, long QT syndrome can cause cardiac arrest (sudden, unexpected loss of heart function).
If you have concerns about long QT syndrome or experience the above symptoms from taking methadone, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping methadone treatment. But if your symptoms feel life threatening, immediately call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
Risk of overdose with accidental ingestion. Accidentally taking even one methadone dose can lead to overdose. This could cause life threatening breathing problems, especially in children.
Keep methadone stored in a secure place that isn’t accessible to others, especially children. If someone accidentally ingests this drug, immediately call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
Risk of misuse. Methadone is an opioid drug, which may be misused. Misuse is when a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.
Due to these risks, methadone is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. When prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance, doctors and pharmacists must follow strict rules and laws. These regulations are in place to help prevent misuse and drug addiction.
If you have concerns about methadone and misuse, tell your doctor. They can discuss other treatment options with you. Due to this risk, your doctor may recommend a different treatment depending on your health history.
Restricted use for opioid addiction in detoxification programs. For treating opioid use disorder, methadone is only available from specially certified doctors and treatment centers.
Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Taking methadone during pregnancy may result in a newborn having opioid withdrawal symptoms. To learn more about this risk, see the “Pregnancy or breastfeeding and methadone” section below.
Risk of medication errors. This warning only applies to methadone oral solution.
If you’re prescribed methadone oral solution, it’s very important to take doses using the specific measuring device given to you when you pick up your prescription. Otherwise, there’s a risk of accidental overdose, which can be life threatening.
Other warnings
Methadone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether methadone is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of methadone you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for methadone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Methadone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to methadone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe methadone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to methadone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and methadone
Information about methadone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Methadone and pregnancy
There are risks to taking methadone during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated opioid use disorder while pregnant. (Keep in mind that methadone is prescribed for treating opioid use disorder.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about opioid use disorder treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take methadone during pregnancy.
Boxed warning: Risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome
Methadone has a boxed warning about the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).
NOWS may occur in a newborn of a person taking an opioid such as methadone during pregnancy. With NOWS, an infant has opioid withdrawal symptoms after birth.* These withdrawal symptoms can be fatal without proper treatment.
Due to this risk, your doctor will likely suggest other treatment options during pregnancy if you’re taking methadone to treat severe pain.
* Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops receiving a drug their body is dependent on. With dependence, a person’s body needs the drug to function like usual.
Methadone and breastfeeding
Talk with your doctor about whether you should take methadone while breastfeeding. Though rare, there are reports of sleepiness and breathing difficulties occurring in infants who were breastfed by someone taking methadone. But there also may be benefits to taking the medication to treat opioid use disorder while breastfeeding.
Uses of methadone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as methadone for certain conditions. Approved uses for methadone are described below. These uses differ based on the form of methadone prescribed.
Use for pain
Doctors may prescribe methadone oral tablet, oral solution, and liquid solution for injection for treating severe pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments. It’s prescribed for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Methadone is prescribed to treat pain that is severe, around the clock, and doesn’t respond to non-opioid treatments.
Doctors may not prescribe methadone to treat pain in certain situations, such as when other treatments are effective for this purpose.
Use for opioid addiction
Doctors may prescribe methadone oral concentrate, oral tablet, liquid solution for injection, and tablet for oral suspension for treating opioid use disorder. It’s prescribed for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With opioid use disorder, you have a pattern of using opioids in a manner that interferes with your daily life. Long-term use of opioids causes changes in your brain that can make it even harder to stop taking them.
Symptoms of opioid use disorder include:
- an inability to cut back or stop taking opioids, even if you wish to do so
- difficulty fulfilling work, school, and social obligations due to taking opioids
- continuing to take opioids, despite an awareness that taking them is causing harm
- avoiding activities or hobbies you usually enjoy because of taking opioids
Methadone is prescribed together with other treatments for opioid use disorder, including counseling and other support services.
Methadone coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for methadone by using our Optum Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for methadone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes methadone’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about methadone or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does methadone compare with other treatments for my condition?
- Does my health history increase my risk of side effects if I take methadone?
- Do any of my medications interact with methadone?
- If I develop side effects from methadone, can you prescribe a lower dose for me to try?
Article resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Methadone. (2023). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501233/
- Methadone hydrocloride dye-free, sugar-free, unflavored — methadone hydrochloride concentrate. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f7dceff7-dfa2-4914-a312-42028492096c/spl-doc
- Methadone hydrochloride —methadone hydrochloride injection, solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/cedfe8fa-b57d-4cb1-a047-0af5a8ef199e/spl-doc
- Methadone hydrochloride — methadone hydrochloride solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5baef1bf-8bf0-429c-a4ce-1c93171f3f15/spl-doc
- Methadone hydrochloride —methadone hydrochloride tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/4c8b541c-33e8-4969-b258-af150808d46e/spl-doc
- Methadose dispersible — methadone hydrochloride tablet; methadone hydrochloride —methadone hydrochloride tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/544483e6-6f9d-4371-9e93-313e54e0ea05/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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