This document provides information about the pain medication methadone. It explains that methadone is used to treat severe pain, including neuropathic pain, and has benefits such as reducing the need for frequent dosing and usually only requiring one to two doses per day. Methadone also causes fewer side effects than other opioids and is safe for those with morphine allergies. The document describes how methadone works in the brain and nervous system to reduce pain over an extended period. It should be taken as prescribed, usually every 12 hours, and patients should contact their doctor if their pain is not controlled or if side effects become problematic.

1. Patient Information Sheet
METHADONE
Whatis methadoneused for and whatarethe benefits?
Methadone is used to treat several types of severe pain, including hard-to-treat pain involving the nerves
(neuropathic pain).
Methadone is a long acting pain medication that usually dramatically reduces need to frequent dosing of
short acting medications.
An advantage to using methadone for your pain management is that you will likely only take methadone one
to twotimes daily instead of more frequently as is often the case with other pain medications.
An additional methadone benefit is that, methadone is not likely to cause an allergic reaction and is safe to
take even if you have a morphine allergy, it is the least sedating of all drugs in its class and is the only one
whichis not toxic to the kidney.
Side effects that may be experienced with pain medications such as morphine include severe hallucinations,
and decreased kidney and liver function. Methadone is less likely to cause these side effects.
How does methadonework?
Methadone works by changing the way the brain and nervous system responds to pain. Methadone is a much
longer acting medication than others used forpain.
Is methadoneused forother purposes?
Methadone is also used in drug rehabilitation programs unrelated to pain management; however, the dosing
and therapy differ. You are being prescribed methadone for pain. There are many examples of medications
that are used for multiple reasons. For example, Tylenolcan be used to lowerfever and help with a headache.
Whatare the advantages of methadone?
Methadone absorbs easily and can be taken in different ways. The liquid form is helpful for someone who has
difficulty swallowing tablets or is at risk of choking. With most “morphine-like” drugs, many patients
experience drowsiness but methadone is less likely to make you feel this way. After your body adapts to the
medication you will likely be able to go about your life with less pain, discomfort, and unwanted side effects.
Also, many “morphine-like” medications cause constipation that requires laxative medication. Methadone is
less likely tocause youconstipation and, if it does it, is less severe compared to other “morphine-like” drugs.
Whenand how doyou take methadone?
You should take methadone as prescribed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours; sometimes every 8 hours.
It is important that you do not stop taking methadone without first speaking to your hospice nurse or doctor
because your pain can return and side effects can be severe. If you forget a dose, take one as soon as possible
and then take your next dose 8-12 hours later. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not crush or dissolve the medication without consulting a
hospice nurse or doctor first.
How soonwill you experiencefull effects of methadone?
Most often full effect of methadone is seen on the fifth day after starting or adjusting your dose. In rare
instances it may take up to as much as twoweeks foryou to experience fulleffect.
Whatdo youdoif yourpainis notcontrolled?
Call Care Partners office or let your nurse know as soon as possible use your short acting pain medications as
prescribed, if youpain is not controlled.
Whatsideeffects should youwatch for?
While you are likely to experience fewer side effects with methadone as compared to other “morphine-like”
pain medications, you may experience constipation, nausea/vomiting, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, or
abdominal pain. If these side effects become bothersome, contact Care Partners and ask for help. Your
methadone dose may need to be adjusted.
And of course, if you experience any unusual side effect such as shortness of breath, trouble breathing, severe
rash or swelling, callus immediately and we’ll be there to help you.