Methadose

Methadose Manufacturers

• Mallinckrodt, Inc.
  

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  Methadose | Mallinckrodt, Inc.

  

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  2.1 Important General Information The peak respiratory depressant effect of methadone occurs later and persists longer than its peak therapeutic effect. A high degree of opioid tolerance does not eliminate the possibility of methadone overdose, iatrogenic or otherwise. Deaths have been reported during conversion to methadone from chronic, high-dose treatment with other opioid agonists and during initiation of methadone treatment of addiction in subjects previously abusing high doses of other agonists. With repeated dosing, methadone is retained in the liver and then slowly released, prolonging the duration of potential toxicity. Methadone has a narrow therapeutic index, especially when combined with other drugs. 2.2 Initial Dosing for Management of Pain

  Methadose should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the use of potent opioids for the management of chronic pain.

  Consider the following important factors that differentiate methadone from other opioid analgesics:

  There is high interpatient variability in absorption, metabolism, and relative analgesic potency. Population-based equianalgesic conversion ratios between methadone and other opioids are not accurate when applied to individuals. The duration of analgesic action of methadone is 4 to 8 hours (based on single-dose studies) but the plasma elimination half-life is 8 to 59 hours. Steady-state plasma concentrations, and full analgesic effects, are not attained until 3 to 5 days after initiation of dosing.

  Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s prior analgesic treatment experience and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy with Methadose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

  Use of Methadose as the First Opioid Analgesic
  Initiate treatment with Methadose with 2.5 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours.

  Conversion from Other Oral Opioids to Methadose
  Discontinue all other around-the-clock opioid drugs when Methadose therapy is initiated. Deaths have occurred in opioid-tolerant patients during conversion to methadone.

  While there are useful tables of opioid equivalents readily available, there is substantial inter-patient variability in the relative potency of different opioid drugs and products. As such, it is safer to underestimate a patient’s 24-hour oral methadone requirements and provide rescue medication (e.g., immediate-release opioid) than to overestimate the 24-hour oral methadone requirements which could result in adverse reactions. With repeated dosing, the potency of methadone increases due to systemic accumulation.

  Consider the following when using the information in Table 1:

  This is not a table of equianalgesic doses. The conversion factors in this table are only for the conversion from another oral opioid analgesic to Methadose. The table cannot be used to convert from Methadose to another opioid. Doing so will result in an overestimation of the dose of the new opioid and may result in fatal overdose.

  Table 1: Conversion Factors to Methadose

  Total Daily Baseline Oral

  Morphine Equivalent Dose

  Estimated Daily Oral Methadone Requirement as Percent of Total Daily Morphine Equivalent Dose

  < 100 mg

  20% to 30%

  100 to 300 mg

  10% to 20%

  300 to 600 mg

  8% to 12%

  600 mg to 1000 mg

  5% to 10%

  > 1000 mg

  < 5 %

  To calculate the estimated Methadose dose using Table 1:

  For patients on a single opioid, sum the current total daily dose of the opioid, convert it to a Morphine Equivalent Dose according to specific conversion factor for that specific opioid, then multiply the Morphine Equivalent Dose by the corresponding percentage in the above table to calculate the approximate oral methadone daily dose. Divide the total daily methadone dose derived from the table above to reflect the intended dosing schedule (i.e., for administration every 8 hours, divide total daily methadone dose by 3). For patients on a regimen of more than one opioid, calculate the approximate oral methadone dose for each opioid and sum the totals to obtain the approximate total methadone daily dose. Divide the total daily methadone dose derived from the table above to reflect the intended dosing schedule (i.e., for administration every 8 hours, divide total daily methadone dose by 3). For patients on a regimen of fixed-ratio opioid/non-opioid analgesic products, use only the opioid component of these products in the conversion.

  Always round the dose down, if necessary, to the appropriate Methadose strength(s) available.

  Example conversion from a single opioid to Methadose:

          Step 1:    Sum the total daily dose of the opioid (in this case, Morphine Extended Release Tablets 50 mg twice daily)

  50 mg Morphine Extended Release Tablets 2 times daily = 100 mg total daily dose of Morphine

          Step 2:    Calculate the approximate equivalent dose of Methadose based on the total daily dose of Morphine using Table 1.

  100 mg total daily dose of Morphine x 15% (10% to 20% per Table 1) = 15 mg Methadose daily

          Step 3:    Calculate the approximate starting dose of Methadose to be given every 12 hours. Round down, if necessary, to the     appropriate Methadose tablets strengths available.

  15 mg daily / 2 = 7.5 mg Methadose every 12 hours

  Then 7.5 mg is rounded down to 5 mg Methadose every 12 hours

  Close observation and frequent titration are warranted until pain management is stable on the new opioid. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal or for signs of over-sedation/toxicity after converting patients to Methadose.

  Conversion from Parenteral Methadone to Methadose

  Use a conversion ratio of 1:2 mg for parenteral to oral methadone (e.g., 5 mg parenteral methadone to 10 mg oral methadone).

  2.3 Titration and Maintenance of Therapy for Pain

  Individually titrate Methadose to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving Methadose to assess the maintenance of pain control and the relative incidence of adverse reactions, as well as monitoring for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesic requirements, including initial titration. During chronic therapy, periodically reassess the continued need for the use of opioid analgesics.

  Because steady-state plasma concentrations are approximated within 24 to 36 hours, Methadose dosage adjustments may be done every 1 to 2 days.

  Patients who experience breakthrough pain may require a dose increase of Methadose, or may need rescue medication with an appropriate dose of an immediate-release medication.  If the level of pain increases after dose stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the Methadose dose.

  If unacceptable opioid-related adverse reactions are observed, the subsequent doses may be reduced and/or the dosing interval adjusted (i.e., every 8 hours or every 12 hours). Adjust the dose to obtain an appropriate balance between management of pain and opioid-related adverse reactions.

  2.4 Discontinuation of Methadose for Pain

  When a patient no longer requires therapy with Methadose for pain, use a gradual downward titration, of the dose every two to four days, to prevent signs and symptoms of withdrawal in the physically-dependent patient. Do not abruptly discontinue Methadose.

  2.5 Induction/Initial Dosing for Detoxification and Maintenance Treatment of Opioid Addiction

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

  Administer the initial methadone dose under supervision, when there are no signs of sedation or intoxication, and the patient shows symptoms of withdrawal. An initial single dose of 20 to 30 mg of Methadose will often be sufficient to suppress withdrawal symptoms. The initial dose should not exceed 30 mg.

  To make same-day dosing adjustments, have the patient wait 2 to 4 hours for further evaluation, when peak levels have been reached. Provide an additional 5 to 10 mg of Methadose if withdrawal symptoms have not been suppressed or if symptoms reappear.

  The total daily dose of Methadose on the first day of treatment should not ordinarily exceed 40 mg. Adjust the dose over the first week of treatment based on control of withdrawal symptoms at the time of expected peak activity (e.g., 2 to 4 hours after dosing). When adjusting the dose, keep in mind that methadone levels will accumulate over the first several days of dosing; deaths have occurred in early treatment due to the cumulative effects. Instruct patients that the dose will “hold” for a longer period of time as tissue stores of methadone accumulate.

  Use lower initial doses for patients whose tolerance is expected to be low at treatment entry. Any patient who has not taken opioids for more than 5 days may no longer be tolerant. Do not determine initial doses based on previous treatment episodes or dollars spent per day on illicit drug use.

  Short-Term Detoxification

  For a brief course of stabilization followed by a period of medically supervised withdrawal, titrate the patient to a total daily dose of about 40 mg in divided doses to achieve an adequate stabilizing level. After 2 to 3 days of stabilization, gradually decrease the dose of Methadose. Decrease the dose of Methadose on a daily basis or at 2-day intervals, keeping the amount of Methadose sufficient to keep withdrawal symptoms at a tolerable level. Hospitalized patients may tolerate a daily reduction of 20% of the total daily dose. Ambulatory patients may need a slower schedule.

  2.6 Titration and Maintenance Treatment of Opioid Dependence Detoxification

  Titrate patients in maintenance treatment to a dose that prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms for 24 hours, reduces drug hunger or craving, and blocks or attenuates the euphoric effects of self-administered opioids, ensuring that the patient is tolerant to the sedative effects of methadone. Most commonly, clinical stability is achieved at doses between 80 to 120 mg/day.

  2.7 Medically Supervised Withdrawal After a Period of Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Addiction

  There is considerable variability in the appropriate rate of methadone taper in patients choosing medically supervised withdrawal from methadone treatment. Dose reductions should generally be less than 10% of the established tolerance or maintenance dose, and 10 to 14-day intervals should elapse between dose reductions. Apprise patients of the high risk of relapse to illicit drug use associated with discontinuation of methadone maintenance treatment.

  2.8 Risk of Relapse in Patients on Methadone Maintenance Treatment of Opioid Addiction

  Abrupt opioid discontinuation can lead to development of opioid withdrawal symptoms [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)]. Opioid withdrawal symptoms have been associated with an increased risk of relapse to illicit drug use in susceptible patients.

  2.9 Considerations for Management of Acute Pain During Methadone Maintenance Treatment

  Patients in methadone maintenance treatment for opioid dependence who experience physical trauma, postoperative pain or other acute pain cannot be expected to derive analgesia from their existing dose of methadone. Such patients should be administered analgesics, including opioids, in doses that would otherwise be indicated for non-methadone-treated patients with similar painful conditions. When opioids are required for management of acute pain in methadone maintenance patients, somewhat higher and/or more frequent doses will often be required than would be the case for non-tolerant patients due to the opioid tolerance induced by methadone.

  2.10 Dosage Adjustment During Pregnancy

  Methadone clearance may be increased during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman’s methadone dose may need to be increased or the dosing interval decreased. Methadone should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

  2.1 Important General Information The peak respiratory depressant effect of methadone occurs later and persists longer than its peak therapeutic effect. A high degree of opioid tolerance does not eliminate the possibility of methadone overdose, iatrogenic or otherwise. Deaths have been reported during conversion to methadone from chronic, high-dose treatment with other opioid agonists and during initiation of methadone treatment of addiction in subjects previously abusing high doses of other agonists. With repeated dosing, methadone is retained in the liver and then slowly released, prolonging the duration of potential toxicity. Methadone has a narrow therapeutic index, especially when combined with other drugs. 2.2 Initial Dosing for Management of Pain

  Methadose should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the use of potent opioids for the management of chronic pain.

  Consider the following important factors that differentiate methadone from other opioid analgesics:

  There is high interpatient variability in absorption, metabolism, and relative analgesic potency. Population-based equianalgesic conversion ratios between methadone and other opioids are not accurate when applied to individuals. The duration of analgesic action of methadone is 4 to 8 hours (based on single-dose studies) but the plasma elimination half-life is 8 to 59 hours. Steady-state plasma concentrations, and full analgesic effects, are not attained until 3 to 5 days after initiation of dosing.

  Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s prior analgesic treatment experience and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy with Methadose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

  Use of Methadose as the First Opioid Analgesic
  Initiate treatment with Methadose with 2.5 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours.

  Conversion from Other Oral Opioids to Methadose
  Discontinue all other around-the-clock opioid drugs when Methadose therapy is initiated. Deaths have occurred in opioid-tolerant patients during conversion to methadone.

  While there are useful tables of opioid equivalents readily available, there is substantial inter-patient variability in the relative potency of different opioid drugs and products. As such, it is safer to underestimate a patient’s 24-hour oral methadone requirements and provide rescue medication (e.g., immediate-release opioid) than to overestimate the 24-hour oral methadone requirements which could result in adverse reactions. With repeated dosing, the potency of methadone increases due to systemic accumulation.

  Consider the following when using the information in Table 1:

  This is not a table of equianalgesic doses. The conversion factors in this table are only for the conversion from another oral opioid analgesic to Methadose. The table cannot be used to convert from Methadose to another opioid. Doing so will result in an overestimation of the dose of the new opioid and may result in fatal overdose.

  Table 1: Conversion Factors to Methadose

  Total Daily Baseline Oral

  Morphine Equivalent Dose

  Estimated Daily Oral Methadone Requirement as Percent of Total Daily Morphine Equivalent Dose

  < 100 mg

  20% to 30%

  100 to 300 mg

  10% to 20%

  300 to 600 mg

  8% to 12%

  600 mg to 1000 mg

  5% to 10%

  > 1000 mg

  < 5 %

  To calculate the estimated Methadose dose using Table 1:

  For patients on a single opioid, sum the current total daily dose of the opioid, convert it to a Morphine Equivalent Dose according to specific conversion factor for that specific opioid, then multiply the Morphine Equivalent Dose by the corresponding percentage in the above table to calculate the approximate oral methadone daily dose. Divide the total daily methadone dose derived from the table above to reflect the intended dosing schedule (i.e., for administration every 8 hours, divide total daily methadone dose by 3). For patients on a regimen of more than one opioid, calculate the approximate oral methadone dose for each opioid and sum the totals to obtain the approximate total methadone daily dose. Divide the total daily methadone dose derived from the table above to reflect the intended dosing schedule (i.e., for administration every 8 hours, divide total daily methadone dose by 3). For patients on a regimen of fixed-ratio opioid/non-opioid analgesic products, use only the opioid component of these products in the conversion.

  Always round the dose down, if necessary, to the appropriate Methadose strength(s) available.

  Example conversion from a single opioid to Methadose:

          Step 1:    Sum the total daily dose of the opioid (in this case, Morphine Extended Release Tablets 50 mg twice daily)

  50 mg Morphine Extended Release Tablets 2 times daily = 100 mg total daily dose of Morphine

          Step 2:    Calculate the approximate equivalent dose of Methadose based on the total daily dose of Morphine using Table 1.

  100 mg total daily dose of Morphine x 15% (10% to 20% per Table 1) = 15 mg Methadose daily

          Step 3:    Calculate the approximate starting dose of Methadose to be given every 12 hours. Round down, if necessary, to the     appropriate Methadose tablets strengths available.

  15 mg daily / 2 = 7.5 mg Methadose every 12 hours

  Then 7.5 mg is rounded down to 5 mg Methadose every 12 hours

  Close observation and frequent titration are warranted until pain management is stable on the new opioid. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal or for signs of over-sedation/toxicity after converting patients to Methadose.

  Conversion from Parenteral Methadone to Methadose

  Use a conversion ratio of 1:2 mg for parenteral to oral methadone (e.g., 5 mg parenteral methadone to 10 mg oral methadone).

  2.3 Titration and Maintenance of Therapy for Pain

  Individually titrate Methadose to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving Methadose to assess the maintenance of pain control and the relative incidence of adverse reactions, as well as monitoring for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesic requirements, including initial titration. During chronic therapy, periodically reassess the continued need for the use of opioid analgesics.

  Because steady-state plasma concentrations are approximated within 24 to 36 hours, Methadose dosage adjustments may be done every 1 to 2 days.

  Patients who experience breakthrough pain may require a dose increase of Methadose, or may need rescue medication with an appropriate dose of an immediate-release medication.  If the level of pain increases after dose stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the Methadose dose.

  If unacceptable opioid-related adverse reactions are observed, the subsequent doses may be reduced and/or the dosing interval adjusted (i.e., every 8 hours or every 12 hours). Adjust the dose to obtain an appropriate balance between management of pain and opioid-related adverse reactions.

  2.4 Discontinuation of Methadose for Pain

  When a patient no longer requires therapy with Methadose for pain, use a gradual downward titration, of the dose every two to four days, to prevent signs and symptoms of withdrawal in the physically-dependent patient. Do not abruptly discontinue Methadose.

  2.5 Induction/Initial Dosing for Detoxification and Maintenance Treatment of Opioid Addiction

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

  Administer the initial methadone dose under supervision, when there are no signs of sedation or intoxication, and the patient shows symptoms of withdrawal. An initial single dose of 20 to 30 mg of Methadose will often be sufficient to suppress withdrawal symptoms. The initial dose should not exceed 30 mg.

  To make same-day dosing adjustments, have the patient wait 2 to 4 hours for further evaluation, when peak levels have been reached. Provide an additional 5 to 10 mg of Methadose if withdrawal symptoms have not been suppressed or if symptoms reappear.

  The total daily dose of Methadose on the first day of treatment should not ordinarily exceed 40 mg. Adjust the dose over the first week of treatment based on control of withdrawal symptoms at the time of expected peak activity (e.g., 2 to 4 hours after dosing). When adjusting the dose, keep in mind that methadone levels will accumulate over the first several days of dosing; deaths have occurred in early treatment due to the cumulative effects. Instruct patients that the dose will “hold” for a longer period of time as tissue stores of methadone accumulate.

  Use lower initial doses for patients whose tolerance is expected to be low at treatment entry. Any patient who has not taken opioids for more than 5 days may no longer be tolerant. Do not determine initial doses based on previous treatment episodes or dollars spent per day on illicit drug use.

  Short-Term Detoxification

  For a brief course of stabilization followed by a period of medically supervised withdrawal, titrate the patient to a total daily dose of about 40 mg in divided doses to achieve an adequate stabilizing level. After 2 to 3 days of stabilization, gradually decrease the dose of Methadose. Decrease the dose of Methadose on a daily basis or at 2-day intervals, keeping the amount of Methadose sufficient to keep withdrawal symptoms at a tolerable level. Hospitalized patients may tolerate a daily reduction of 20% of the total daily dose. Ambulatory patients may need a slower schedule.

  2.6 Titration and Maintenance Treatment of Opioid Dependence Detoxification

  Titrate patients in maintenance treatment to a dose that prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms for 24 hours, reduces drug hunger or craving, and blocks or attenuates the euphoric effects of self-administered opioids, ensuring that the patient is tolerant to the sedative effects of methadone. Most commonly, clinical stability is achieved at doses between 80 to 120 mg/day.

  2.7 Medically Supervised Withdrawal After a Period of Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Addiction

  There is considerable variability in the appropriate rate of methadone taper in patients choosing medically supervised withdrawal from methadone treatment. Dose reductions should generally be less than 10% of the established tolerance or maintenance dose, and 10 to 14-day intervals should elapse between dose reductions. Apprise patients of the high risk of relapse to illicit drug use associated with discontinuation of methadone maintenance treatment.

  2.8 Risk of Relapse in Patients on Methadone Maintenance Treatment of Opioid Addiction

  Abrupt opioid discontinuation can lead to development of opioid withdrawal symptoms [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)]. Opioid withdrawal symptoms have been associated with an increased risk of relapse to illicit drug use in susceptible patients.

  2.9 Considerations for Management of Acute Pain During Methadone Maintenance Treatment

  Patients in methadone maintenance treatment for opioid dependence who experience physical trauma, postoperative pain or other acute pain cannot be expected to derive analgesia from their existing dose of methadone. Such patients should be administered analgesics, including opioids, in doses that would otherwise be indicated for non-methadone-treated patients with similar painful conditions. When opioids are required for management of acute pain in methadone maintenance patients, somewhat higher and/or more frequent doses will often be required than would be the case for non-tolerant patients due to the opioid tolerance induced by methadone.

  2.10 Dosage Adjustment During Pregnancy

  Methadone clearance may be increased during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman’s methadone dose may need to be increased or the dosing interval decreased. Methadone should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

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• Mallinckrodt, Inc.
  

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  Methadose | Mallinckrodt, Inc.

  

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  Methadone differs from many other opioid agonists in several important ways. Methadone's pharmacokinetic properties, coupled with high interpatient variability in its absorption, metabolism, and relative analgesic potency, necessitate a cautious and highly individualized approach to prescribing. Particular vigilance is necessary during treatment initiation, during conversion from one opioid to another, and during dose titration.

  While methadone's duration of analgesic action (typically 4 to 8 hours) in the setting of single-dose studies approximates that of morphine, methadone's plasma elimination half-life is substantially longer than that of morphine (typically 8 to 59 hours vs. 1 to 5 hours). Methadone's peak respiratory depressant effects typically occur later, and persist longer than its peak analgesic effects. Also, with repeated dosing, methadone may be retained in the liver and then slowly released, prolonging the duration of action despite low plasma concentrations. For these reasons, steady-state plasma concentrations, and full analgesic effects, are usually not attained until 3 to 5 days of dosing. Additionally, incomplete cross-tolerance between mu-opioid agonists makes determination of dosing during opioid conversion complex.

  The complexities associated with methadone dosing can contribute to cases of iatrogenic overdose, particularly during treatment initiation and dose titration. A high degree of “opioid tolerance” does not eliminate the possibility of methadone overdose, iatrogenic or otherwise. Deaths have been reported during conversion to methadone from chronic, high-dose treatment with other opioid agonists and during initiation of methadone treatment of addiction in subjects previously abusing high doses of other agonists.

  Detoxification and Maintenance Treatment of Opiate Dependence

  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.

  Induction/Initial Dosing

  The initial methadone dose should be administered, under supervision, when there are no signs of sedation or intoxication, and the patient shows symptoms of withdrawal. Initially, a single dose of 20 to 30 mg of methadone will often be sufficient to suppress withdrawal symptoms. The initial dose should not exceed 30 mg. If same-day dosing adjustments are to be made, the patient should be asked to wait 2 to 4 hours for further evaluation, when peak levels have been reached. An additional 5 to 10 mg of methadone may be provided if withdrawal symptoms have not been suppressed or if symptoms reappear. The total daily dose of methadone on the first day of treatment should not ordinarily exceed 40 mg. Dose adjustments should be made over the first week of treatment based on control of withdrawal symptoms at the time of expected peak activity (e.g., 2 to 4 hours after dosing). Dose adjustment should be cautious; deaths have occurred in early treatment due to the cumulative effects of the first several days' dosing. Patients should be reminded that the dose will “hold” for a longer period of time as tissue stores of methadone accumulate.

  Initial doses should be lower for patients whose tolerance is expected to be low at treatment entry. Loss of tolerance should be considered in any patient who has not taken opioids for more than 5 days. Initial doses should not be determined by previous treatment episodes or dollars spent per day on illicit drug use.

  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.

  For Medically Supervised Withdrawal After a Period of Maintenance Treatment

  There is considerable variability in the appropriate rate of methadone taper in patients choosing medically supervised withdrawal from methadone treatment. It is generally suggested that dose reductions should be less than 10% of the established tolerance or maintenance dose, and that 10 to 14-day intervals should elapse between dose reductions. Patients should be apprised of the high risk of relapse to illicit drug use associated with discontinuation of methadone maintenance treatment.

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