Methadone: uses, side effects and safety
Methadone (Methadone) is a opioid analgesic; opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder. It is a US Schedule II controlled substance. It is prescription only (rx) and remains on the US market.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is the generic name for Methadone, and belongs to the Opioid analgesic; opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder class.
| Generic name | Methadone HCl (tablet) |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Methadone |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic; opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder |
| US legal status | US Schedule II ยท Prescription only (Rx) |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Elimination half-life | 8-59 |
How does Methadone work?
Opioid agonist. Label: some data also indicate that methadone acts as an antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor; the contribution of NMDA receptor antagonism to methadone's efficacy is unknown..
The elimination half-life is roughly 8-59. Longer half-lives mean the drug and its active metabolites persist in the body for longer after the last dose.
Common side effects of Methadone
These are the side effects people report most often. Many diminish after the body adjusts, usually within one to two weeks.
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- sedation
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
Serious side effects and warning signs
Seek emergency care for any of these
- respiratory depression
- addiction/abuse/misuse
- QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- overdose
- opioid withdrawal
Suspected overdose or a bad reaction should be reported to Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222. That is staffed around the clock and is free.
Legal status of Methadone
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. That placement is set out in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1308, and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It carries restrictions on prescribing, storage, record-keeping and transfer.
Statutory reference: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c54baaee-8ea4-45f5-a5c8-bb84cf86832f.
Can you get Methadone without a prescription?
Short answer: no. Methadone is a prescription medication. Sites advertising it without one are either operating illegally or selling something other than what they claim. We explain the legal routes, the counterfeit problem and how to check a source in detail.
Read the full answer: Methadone without a prescription →
Related medications
Propoxyphene
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination productMedication information page.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is Methadone used for?
See the approved uses section below.
What schedule is Methadone in the United States?
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the US, listed at 21 CFR Part 1308. Schedule II means the drug has a defined potential for abuse and is subject to federal record-keeping, storage and prescribing restrictions.
What are the common side effects of Methadone?
The most frequently reported side effects are lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating. Many lessen over the first week or two of treatment.
Sources & references
Important
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.