approved uses of methadone?

Methadone is indicated and approved for the following uses:

1. Long-term maintenance treatment of dependence and addiction to opioids such as oxycodone (oxycontin® or percocet), fentanyl, hydromorphone (dilaudid®), heroin etc.  Such treatment can happen usually only in certain approved facilities and/or by specially trained/licensed physicians.

2. Detoxification treatment of dependence on opioids such as oxycodone (oxycontin® or percocet), fentanyl, hydromorphone (dilaudid®), heroin etc. Such treatment can happen usually only in certain approved facilities and/or by specially trained/licensed physicians.

3. Management of moderate to severe chronic pain when a continuous, stable-level opioid analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. This should be done under the care of a physician who is very familiar with the unique pharmacology of methadone.

4. Management of pain within the palliative treatment of terminally ill patients by physicians experienced with methadone.

Methadone should not be used in the following circumstances:

1. For any treatment of dependence or addiction to non-opioid drugs.  Examples of drugs whose addiction do not respond to methadone are stimulat class drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines; sedative class drugs such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (xanax); and THC, LSD, and ecstasy.

2. For pain that is mild or, occasional, or not expected to persist for an extended period of time.

3. For acute pain from any injury.

4. For postoperative pain