How should I take methadone?

Methadone (the best-known and most frequently used medication for treating opioid dependence) is taken as a pill, a tablet dissolved in juice, a liquid, or a concentrated liquid solution that must first be diluted. It is also used to treat chronic pain. It must be taken at a substance abuse clinic.

If you are taking methadone because you are addicted to narcotics, you should only take it as part of a government-approved treatment program, which includes counseling and monitoring of your use. Methadone is available as a tablet to swallow, a tablet to dissolve, a concentrated liquid to drink, and an injection. This drug can be addictive. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase dosage. If using dissolvable tablets, dissolve one tablet in water or citrus juice, and drink the entire glass. If using a concentrated solution, mix your dose in at least 1 ounce of water, citrus juice, or other juice. (Do not use grapefruit juice.) For pain relief, methadone is usually taken every 4 to 12 hours. For severe pain, it may be administered by injection.