Methadone is to be taken by mouth only. It must not be injected. Methadone is a synthetic narcotic. Patients who are physically dependent on narcotics may have withdrawal symptoms if given the usual dose of a narcotic antagonist (e.g., naloxone, naltrexone). If a narcotic antagonist must be given, the dose must be smaller than the usual dose and it must be given with extreme care. Withdrawal symptoms may also be caused by using certain narcotics (partial agonist/antagonists such as pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine) after using methadone. Tell your doctor immediately if you develops symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and diarrhea.

This medication is a narcotic pain reliever and is used for severe pain. It is also used in the treatment of narcotic addiction as part of an approved program. Methadone is a potent narcotic substance. It can cause serious side effects and toxic reactions if used by someone other than the person for whom it is prescribed. Do not share this medication with others.

Methadone dispersible tablets must be dissolved in a glass of water before drinking. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a long period of time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor. When used for extended periods for pain relief, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication is not working well. For narcotic addiction the dose will be gradually reduced. Be sure to follow dosing instructions closely.

SIDE EFFECTS

Stomach upset, blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid heart rate, fainting, breathing difficulties, skin rash, mood changes, irritability, anxiety, hallucinations, mental confusion, nervousness, tremors, seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

For detoxification and maintenance of opiate dependence methadone should be administered in accordance with the treatment standards cited in 42 CFR Section 8.12, including limitations on unsupervised administration

For Short-term Detoxification

For patients preferring a brief course of stabilization followed by a period of medically supervised withdrawal, it is generally recommended that the patient be titrated to a total daily dose of about 40 mg in divided doses to achieve an adequate stabilizing level. Stabilization can be continued for 2 to 3 days, after which the dose of methadone should be gradually decreased. The rate at which methadone is decreased should be determined separately for each patient. The dose of methadone can be decreased on a daily basis or at 2-day intervals, but the amount of intake should remain sufficient to keep withdrawal symptoms at a tolerable level. In hospitalized patients, a daily reduction of 20% of the total daily dose may be tolerated. In ambulatory patients, a somewhat slower schedule may be needed.

For Maintenance Treatment

Patients in maintenance treatment should be titrated to a dose at which opioid symptoms are prevented for 24 hours, drug hunger or craving is reduced, the euphoric effects of self-administered opioids are blocked or attenuated, and the patient is tolerant to the sedative effects of methadone. Most commonly, clinical stability is achieved at doses between 80 to 120 mg/day.

Methadone hydrochloride is an opioid (a synthetic opiate) that was originally synthesized by German pharmaceutical companies during the second world war. It was first marketed as "Dolophine" and was used as an analgesic (a painkiller) for the treatment of severe pain. It is still occasionally used for pain relief.

Methadone is now primarily used today for the treatment of narcotic addiction. The effects of methadone last longer than those of morphine-based drugs. Methadone's effects can last up to 24 hours, thereby permitting administration only once a day in heroin detoxification and maintenance programs.

How is methadone taken?

Methadone is usually available as a liquid - linctus or methadone mixture - which should be swallowed. Tablets and injectable ampoules are sometimes prescribed, and like many other medicines some of these prescribed drugs are diverted and become available illegally.