Methadose is a brand name for the drug methadone. It is used as a treatment for chronic pain, or as part of a medication-assisted treatment plan for opioid addiction.
Methadose can treat:
- around-the-clock pain
- opioid withdrawal
- opioid dependence
Here, you’ll find information on Methadose uses, drug side effects, and answers to frequently asked questions about substance abuse treatment with Methadose.
Find out more about using methadone for opioid addiction treatment
What Does Methadose Look Like?
Methadose is a version of methadone that comes in the form of a liquid or an oral soluble tablet—that is, a tablet that is meant to be dissolved into a liquid prior to ingestion.
Side Effects Of Methadose Use
Methadose is a central nervous system depressant and prescription painkiller that can relieve pain, ease opioid withdrawal symptoms, and reduce cravings for opioid drugs.
Side effects of Methadose may include:
- nausea
- dry mouth
- headache
- constipation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- sweating
- insomnia
Serious side effects of methadone, although less common, can occur.
Effects Of Methadose On Pregnancy
Methadone, the main ingredient in Methadose, is one of two first-line therapy options for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. The other is buprenorphine.
Taking Methadose while pregnant isn’t risk-free. Methadose does cross the placenta and is transferred into breast milk.
Even so, Methadose can serve as a replacement for heroin use and the abuse of other opioids during pregnancy, which can have serious effects on fetal development and growth.
Effects Of Methadose On Newborns
Babies born to mothers who take Methadose while pregnant may develop neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS)—a condition that is treatable.
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and other effects on newborns through breastfeeding while taking Methadose can be effectively treated, once identified.
Long-Term Effects Of Methadose
Methadose is a habit-forming drug that can lead to physical dependence with chronic use. Drug dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms with reduced or stopped use.
Other potential long-term effects of Methadose might include:
- difficulty falling or staying asleep
- changes in weight
- sexual dysfunction
- chronic constipation
When taken as directed, Methadose is safe for long-term use as a maintenance medication and for chronic pain relief.
Taking Methadose For Opioid Use Disorder
Methadose may be administered during opioid detox, or be prescribed following detox as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Methadose is often prescribed alongside:
- behavioral therapy
- drug abuse counseling
- mental health treatment (as needed)
- social support services (e.g. employment and housing assistance)
Methadone is considered a “gold standard” treatment for opioid addiction and can effectively reduce the risk of relapse and help individuals sustain their recovery.
How Often Do You Take Methadose?
Methadose for opioid use disorder is generally taken once a day in a single, daily dose. If you miss your daily dosing of Methadose, contact your prescribing doctor for further guidance.
Missing a dose of Methadose may result in withdrawal symptoms, such as severe nausea, diarrhea, drug cravings, and muscle or bone pain.
Read more about what to do if you miss a dose of Methadose
How Long The Effects Of Methadose Last
Methadose is a long-acting drug, meaning it stays in the body for an extended length of time. Its effects can last 24 to 48 hours, depending on dosage amount and other factors.
What’s The Difference Between Methadose And Methadone?
Methadose is a brand name for methadone, a synthetic opioid. Methadone can be prescribed as a generic drug, or under the brand names Methadose or Dolophine.
Although largely the same, these drugs can differ in their:
- available forms
- how they’re taken
- cost
- availability
- scope of use in treatment settings
Read more about the differences between Methadose and methadone
How Can I Get Prescribed Methadose?
Methadose can be prescribed in a health care setting for chronic pain. For drug addiction, Methadose can only be dispensed by a certified opioid treatment program (OTP).
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) practitioners associated with SAMHSA-certified opioid treatment programs (methadone clinics) can prescribe and dispense Methadose for patients.
Getting Off Methadose: Methadose Detoxification
Because Methadose can cause physical dependence, getting off Methadose may require drug detoxification.
Stopping Methadose too quickly or all at once could result in mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. This can be effectively managed within a detox program.
Methadose FAQs
Having questions about Methadose and methadone maintenance treatment is common. Find answers to frequently asked questions about Methadose for opiate addiction here.
What Type Of Drug Is Methadose?
Methadose is a long-acting full opioid agonist and central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is classified as a schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. federal government.
Is Methadose Generic?
Methadose is not a generic drug. Methadone is the generic version of Methadose, which can be used to treat pain or opioid addiction.
Is Methadose Better Than Methadone?
Both Methadose and methadone can be effective for relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms and eliminating cravings for opioid drugs.
Neither drug is considered more or less effective for treating opioid use disorder.
What Are The Benefits Of Methadose?
Methadose (methadone) is a gold-standard treatment for opioid addiction.
Research shows that methadone maintenance treatment can effectively:
- reduce opioid misuse
- help individuals sustain recovery
- prevent opioid cravings
- reduce criminal activity
- reduce the risk of infectious disease (e.g. HIV, hepatitis)
- improve the ability to secure and maintain employment
Can You Overdose On Methadose?
Methadose overdose can occur if an excessively high dose of Methadose is taken, or if it’s combined with other drugs, such as alcohol, illicit opioids like heroin, or benzodiazepines.
If someone experiences severe sedation, stops breathing, has difficulty breathing, or is unresponsive after taking Methadose, call 911 for emergency medical assistance right away.
Can You Get High On Methadose?
Mild euphoric effects, such as a feeling of relaxation, can occur while taking Methadose. However, it’s unlikely to cause euphoria when taken as directed by a doctor.
Are There Alternatives To Methadose For Opioid Addiction?
Methadose (methadone) is one of several medications that are FDA-approved for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Other medications for opioid use disorder include:
- buprenorphine (Subutex)
- buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone)
- naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Is Methadose Stronger Or Weaker Than Methadone?
Methadose (10 mg/mL) in its liquid form can be up to 10 times more concentrated than the liquid solution formulation of methadone (1 mg/ML).
However, the strength of Methadose compared to methadone largely depends on the dose given, the route of administration, and other personal factors.
Find Methadone Treatment For Opioid Addiction Today
Methadose (methadone) is a medication that can help individuals achieve recovery from opioid addiction when taken as part of a full drug abuse rehab program.
For more information about Methadose and to find addiction treatment options near you, call our helpline to speak to one of our trained staff members today.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Before, During, and After Pregnancy
https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/opioids/treatment.html - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Methadone
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/methadone - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — Drug Scheduling
https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling - U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — METHADOSE Label
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017116s029lbl.pdf - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Methadone
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682134.html
