Differences Between Methadone And Methadose

Methadose is a brand name for the drug, methadone. Methadone is the primary ingredient in Methadose, a prescription painkiller and addiction treatment medication.

Both drugs are used for the treatment of opioid withdrawal and opioid use disorder, which affects nearly two million Americans and their loved ones. Although the drugs are near-identical chemically, there are some minor differences between the two.

Learn more about taking Methadose

Different Drug Formulation

The generic version of methadone is a medication that can come in the form of a diskette, powder, or liquid form to be taken by mouth.

Methadose, on the other hand, can come in the form of a liquid solution or a tablet to be dissolved in liquid, such as a glass of water, prior to ingestion.

Different Drug Manufacturer

Generic and brand-name versions of methadone are produced by different pharmaceutical companies. Methadose is manufactured by the drug company Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Generic versions of methadone are produced by various drug manufacturers.

Dolophine, another brand name for methadone in tablet form, is produced by the drug companies Roxane Laboratories and PD-RX Pharmaceuticals.

Availability

Not all pharmacies or treatment providers may prescribe Methadose, instead preferring to prescribe methadone.

Thus, the availability of Methadose and methadone for medical or behavioral health treatment purposes may vary according to the pharmacy, rehab center, or methadone clinic.

Dosage Differences Between Methadose and Methadone

Different formulations of Methadose and methadone can come in various dosages.

The dosage provided for addiction treatment will depend on a person’s substance use history, opioid tolerance, and other personal factors.

Cost Difference Between Methadose And Methadone

Generic drugs are generally less expensive than brand-name products. However, the cost of drugs can vary according to a person’s health insurance provider and prescription drug coverage.

Some insurance providers offer greater coverage for certain versions of drugs over others. This may apply to generic and brand name versions of methadone.

Is Methadose As Effective As Methadone?

Methadose and methadone are equally as effective when taken in the same dose.

For a brand-name drug like Methadose to receive FDA approval in the U.S., clinical trials for the drug must provide evidence to show that it’s just as effective as its generic counterpart.

How Are Methadose And Methadone Similar?

Beyond minor differences, Methadose and methadone are largely the same, and are used for the same purposes.

Methadone and Methadose may both be prescribed for chronic pain and opioid addiction, and are typically associated with the same side effects and risks.

Who Should Use Methadose Or Methadone?

Methadose and methadone are specifically designed for people with opioid addiction who need help managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications work best for individuals who have been using opioids like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine regularly and have developed physical dependence.

Medication-assisted treatment with methadone is one of the most effective approaches for opioid use disorder, especially for people who have tried to quit on their own without success.

Ideal candidates for methadone treatment include:

• people with moderate to severe opioid addiction who experience intense cravings and withdrawal
• individuals who have relapsed multiple times after trying other treatment approaches
• pregnant women with opioid use disorder (methadone is safe during pregnancy and protects the baby)
• people who need to maintain employment or family responsibilities while in treatment
• those with chronic pain who also struggle with opioid dependence
• individuals who have tried other medications like buprenorphine without success

Methadone may not be the best choice for everyone. People with certain heart conditions, severe respiratory problems, or allergies to methadone should discuss alternatives with their doctor. Additionally, methadone requires daily visits to a clinic in the early stages of treatment, which can be challenging for people with transportation issues or inflexible work schedules.

Find Methadose Treatment For Opiate Addiction Today

Methadose and methadone are proven medications that help people addicted to opioids achieve lasting recovery. These medications reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal symptoms, and allow people to focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant struggle of opioid dependence.

If you’re looking for Methadose treatment, here are steps to find programs near you:

• search for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in your area that are licensed to dispense methadone
• contact local addiction treatment centers and ask if they offer medication-assisted treatment with Methadose
• check with your insurance provider to find in-network facilities that provide methadone services
• visit SAMHSA’s treatment locator website to find certified methadone clinics in your state
• ask your doctor for a referral to a reputable opioid treatment program
• look into federally qualified health centers that may offer methadone treatment on a sliding scale

Getting started with Methadose treatment is an important step toward overcoming opioid addiction. Many people find that medication-assisted treatment gives them the stability they need to address the underlying issues driving their addiction and build a foundation for long-term recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff