What is appropriate methadone dosing?
Methadone is a medication, and like all mediations, proper dosing is contingent upon the patient’s individual needs. Taken orally, methadone is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, appears in plasma 30 minutes after ingestion, and peaks one hour later. Methadone is also widely distributed to body tissues where it is stored and then released into the plasma. This combination of storage and release keeps the patient comfortable by preventing opiate withdrawal. As is the case for any other medications (such as insulin or antihypertensives), proper methadone dosing is determined through the doctor-patient relationship, taking into account the patient’s medical assessment, individual metabolic needs, and other medical conditions and treatments. Attitudes or opinions about methadone dosing that are based on rationale other than scientific evidence on effective dosing detract from the potential value of methadone treatment.
