HSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
Same-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
HSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality careSame-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid used to manage moderate to severe chronic pain and to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
Need a methadone prescription for pain management? Talk to a weight loss provider online and get a phentermine prescription within 24 hours.* Enjoy affordable, pay-as-you-go pricing with no hidden fees.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
You’re unique. And your needs are too. You deserve online OUD treatment from a provider committed to you. That’s why you can find an OUD specialist on Klarity Health and access:
From an experienced, board-certified healthcare professional.
or in-person through treatment tailored to you**
Your information is private, secure, and 100% HIPPA compliant.
*Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Select your state to see available providers.
While methadone for opioid use disorder must be dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs), patients may be eligible for an online prescription for pain management. Telehealth services like Klarity Health offer a convenient, private way to consult with licensed providers. Here’s how:
Note: Methadone for OUD cannot be prescribed through standard telehealth platforms and must follow federal OTP regulations.
Methadone dosing varies depending on whether it is used for chronic pain or opioid use disorder.
Usual adult dosage
For pain management
• Initial Dose for Opioid Non-Tolerant Patients: 2.5 mg to 10 mg IV every 8 to 12 hours.
• Maintenance Dose: Titrate slowly to effect; more frequent administration may be required initially.
For chronic pain
• Initial Dose: 2.5 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours, titrated cautiously based on patient response and clinical judgment
• Conversion from Other Opioids: Use conversion factors based on oral morphine equivalents.
For opiate withdrawal
• Day 1 Initial Dose: 20 to 30 mg orally; an additional 5 to 10 mg may be given after 2 to 4 hours if needed.
• Maximum Initial Dose: 30 mg
• Maximum Day 1 Dose: 40 mg
• Maintenance: Titrate to a dose that prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings, typically 80 to 120 mg orally per day.
Important considerations
• Conversion: Switching from other opioids to methadone requires caution due to dose conversion uncertainties.
• Monitoring: Patients should be closely monitored for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours.
• Pregnancy: Dosage adjustments may be necessary during pregnancy due to physiological changes affecting methadone metabolism. Close monitoring is essential to ensure maternal and fetal safety.
• Concomitant Use: Use with CNS depressants requires careful monitoring for sedation and respiratory depression.
Administration advice
• Methadone should be taken at the same time every day to avoid overdose.
• Missed doses should be handled according to specific guidelines for chronic pain or opioid dependence.
Warnings
• High risk of addiction, misuse, and overdose
• May cause respiratory depression and QT prolongation
• Should be avoided in severe hepatic or renal impairment
• Requires close medical supervision during treatment
Never change your dosage or schedule without provider supervision. Methadone’s long half-life increases the risk of overdose with improper use.
Methadone carries serious risks if not taken as prescribed. Side effects can range from mild to life-threatening. Seek emergency help for signs of overdose or allergic reaction.
Common side effects:
• Headache, dry mouth, stomach pain, weight gain
• Mood changes, sleep issues, and vision problems
• Sore tongue, urination difficulty, and skin redness
Serious Side Effects
• Slow or shallow breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat
• Seizures, hallucinations, and confusion
• Swelling, hives, or trouble breathing (allergic reaction)
• Irregular periods, sexual dysfunction
• Hallucinations (i.e., seeing, feeling sensations, or hearing things that are not there)
Call 911 immediately for serious symptoms or signs of overdose.
Serious risks and warnings:
• Respiratory depression, especially during initial dosing or dose increases
• QT prolongation and risk of cardiac arrhythmias
• Risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction
• Dangerous interactions with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other CNS depressants
Patients must be monitored regularly, especially when starting or changing doses.
The cost of methadone can vary based on dosage, form, and location. Below is a sample price comparison based on data from Drugs.com:
| Form | Dosage | Quantity | Average retail price on Drugs.com |
| Methadone oral concentrate | 10 mg/mL | 30 mL | $17.51 |
| Methadone oral concentrate | 10 mg/mL | 1000 mL | $82.46 – $99.55 |
| Methadone oral tablet | 5 mg | 100 tablets | $14.03 – $19.12 |
| Methadone oral tablet | 10 mg | 100 tablets | $19.72 – $25.47 |
| Methadone injectable solution | 10 mg/mL | 20 mL | $148.93 |
| Methadone oral solution | 5 mg/5 mL | 150 mL | $12.92 |
| Methadone oral solution | 5 mg/5 mL | 500 mL | $21.50 |
| Methadone oral solution | 10 mg/5 mL | 500 mL | $30.46 |
| Dispersible tablet | 40 mg | 100 tablets | $23.92 |
Methadone is one of several medications used for pain relief or opioid dependence. Here’s how it compares to other common options:
| Medication | Used for | Duration | Abuse potential | Special use notes |
| Methadone | Pain, OUD | Long | High | Only OUD-approved through certified OTPs |
| Buprenorphine | OUD | Long | Moderate | Partial agonist, generally safer in overdose situations compared to full agonists like methadone |
| Oxycodone | Acute/chronic pain | Short | High | High abuse risk, not used for OUD treatment |
| Naltrexone | OUD, alcohol dependence | Long | None | Opioid antagonist, requires detox before use |
Read through stories from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
Join our mailing list for exclusive healthcare updates and tips.
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
