FAQs

This varies from person to person.  Once on a stable dose of methadone many patients report not feeling sick if they miss a dose. Methadone has a much longer half life than most other opioid medications, and therefore is present and active in the body well beyond a 24 hour period. For this reason, some patients remain comfortable and do not experience withdrawal symptoms following a single missed dose. However, the metabolism of each person is different, and some patients […]

The length of time that a patient will remain on methadone will vary based upon the unique needs of each individual. Although methadone is safe for long-term use, patients are not required to remain on this medication long-term. Although some patients will remain on methadone for long-term maintenance, others will only utilize it short-term. Patients should work closely with their physician in order to comfortably wean off of their medication. Once a patient’s system is free from methadone, he or

Side effects are not common buy may include damage to the liver and reactions at the injection site may occur. The physician will conduct liver functions test to prevent damage to the liver.

Side effects are not common but may include headache, sweating, and constipation.

Yes, methadone is safe when taken as prescribed and has been in use as a primary addiction treatment for over 75 years. Some patients may experience side effects like constipation or increased sweating. However, these side effects often lessen or resolve once a patient becomes stabilized on their methadone dose.

Vivitrol attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks opioids from attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain. This results in someone not being able to feel the effects of opioids.

Buprenorphine is a synthetic partial opioid which attaches to the opioid receptors on the brain. It has a stronger bond with the opioid receptors than other opioids. This helps block the effect of opioids, may reduce cravings and may reduce withdrawal symptoms

Methadone is a synthetic (man-made) opioid that binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. At an effective dose methadone eliminates, and blocks the effects of illicit opioid use.

No – Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (M.O.U.D.) treatment with buprenorphine and methadone are not heroin/opioid substitutes. They are prescribed or administered under monitored, controlled conditions, and are safe and effective for treatment of opioid addiction when used as directed. They help to stabilize the opioid system in the body.