Table of Contents
Key Points
- Methadone is used to treat pain and as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opioid use disorder.
- Methadone has a long half-life of 8 to 59 hours or longer, which varies by several factors.
- Though specialized tests look for methadone, most standard drug tests don’t.
- Methadone is a treatment for opioid addiction, but it has addiction potential of its own.
Methadone is used to treat pain and as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opioid use disorder (opioid addiction). While methadone is often used daily, it can stay in your system much longer and may show up on a drug test or interact with other drugs.
Find out methadone’s half-life and how long methadone shows up in urine and other bodily fluids for drug testing detection time.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pain management and the treatment of opioid use disorders. Unlike shorter-acting opioids like heroin, methadone has a gradual onset of effects that leads to less euphoria.[1] It also helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms that are often associated with potent opioids.
Methadone is often prescribed as a tablet or a solution taken by mouth. In some cases, methadone may be given as an injection. Generally, methadone is safe when taken as prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid addiction.
Side Effects of Methadone
Methadone can have several side effects, including:[2]
- Restlessness
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
- Constipation
- Difficult or shallow breathing
Signs of an allergic reaction like hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other serious side effects include:
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Sexual dysfunction
How Long Does Methadone Take to Work?
Methadone is different from other opioid agonists and needs to be monitored carefully by doctors. Its pain-relieving effects last 4 to 8 hours, but its respiratory depressant effects can last much longer.[3] In addition, the time it takes for the effects to begin can vary by individual.
How Long Does Methadone Stay in Urine, Hair, Blood, and Saliva?
A drug’s half-life is how long it takes the body to eliminate half of the dose. Methadone has a long half-life of 8 to 59 hours or longer, which varies by several factors.[4] It takes about 5 half-lives for the body to eliminate the drug completely so that methadone can last a long time.
Many factors affect how long methadone stays in your system, including age, weight, metabolism, liver function, and other individual health factors. The duration and frequency of methadone use, dosage amount, and use of other substances can also affect how quickly the body processes methadone.
Compared to drugs with a shorter half-life, like heroin or Suboxone, methadone takes longer to clear the body. Standard drug tests that look for opioids are typically screening for heroin and morphine. Methadone may be detected, but usually, it’s part of a specialized drug test instead of a standard panel. However, specific urine, saliva, hair, and blood tests can all detect methadone.
Here are some general drug testing detection windows for methadone:
- Urine tests: Methadone and its metabolite 2-Ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) can show up in urine up to 14 days following the last dose.[5]
- Hair tests: Methadone can be detected in a 1.5-inch hair sample for up to 90 days after last use.[6]
- Blood tests: Methadone and EDDP can be detected in blood for up to 55 hours after the last dose.[7]
- Saliva tests: Methadone saliva tests are unreliable and uncommon. However, it can be detected in saliva for up to 2 days after the last use.[8]
Methadone Misuse and Abuse
Methadone helps treat opioid use disorder, but it has abuse potential of its own. It’s a Schedule II controlled substance with legitimate medical uses and potential for misuse. However, when taken as prescribed, it’s a safe and effective option for treating opioid abuse and addiction.
Misusing methadone, which can be taking it in higher doses than prescribed, more frequent doses than prescribed, in combination with other drugs, or in other ways than intended – such as crushing a pill and snorting it – is extremely dangerous. There are risks of severe side effects or risks like methadone overdose, which can include symptoms like:[9]
- Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
- Limp body
Methadone Withdrawal
Methadone use causes dependence over time, which is when your body adjusts to the presence of a drug and needs it to function properly. If you stop taking it suddenly, withdrawal can occur. Some of the symptoms of methadone withdrawal include:[10]
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Body aches
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Methadone Addiction Treatment
If you misuse or abuse methadone, you can develop a methadone addiction. This can be difficult to overcome, especially if you are using methadone to treat an existing opioid use disorder.
The first step in treating methadone abuse or addiction is usually medical detox. This setting provides a medical team to monitor your health and reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.
Once detox is complete, it’s crucial to enter a comprehensive addiction treatment program on an inpatient or outpatient basis, especially if you also struggle with an opioid use disorder. The treatment plans are individualized and may include individual counseling, group counseling, family therapy, and behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy to address the underlying factors of addiction.
Seek Help for Addiction
When used as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan, methadone can help manage opioid cravings and allow you to focus on your recovery. However, methadone has abuse and addiction potential on its own. If you’re struggling with methadone abuse or addiction, it’s important to get help and start your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these methadone detection times.
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