How long does methadone stay in your system?
Methadone can be detected in the blood, urine and saliva. In urine, methadone metabolites can test positive for 2-4 days after last dose.
Here, you will find a thorough review of methadone detection times, drug testing methods and addiction liability of methadone. Please leave your questions about methadone use, abuse or addiction at the end. We answer and respond to all legitimate comments with a prompt, researched reply.
How do you take methadone?
Methadone is available in oral solution, liquid concentrate, tablet, and powder. Methadone is most often ingested orally, and other routes of administration (snorting, injecting, etc.) are reliable indicators of methadone misuse or abuse.
What is methadone used for?
Methadone is a full mu opioid agonist which is used in opioid addiction treatment programs. Methadone specifically suppresses symptoms of opioid withdrawal methadone for 24 hours or longer or is used in combination with social and medical services in long term methadone maintenance programs. An opioid itself, at proper dosing, methadone usually reduces cravings for and the need to take stronger opioids. Methadone is also an effective analgesic and may provide pain relief when other pain relievers are ineffective.
Methadone has been recognized by the DEA as a Schedule II narcotic drug, which means that although it has a medical use, the risk for dependence, abuse and addiction are relatively serious. These risks increase if you take methadone to get high.
Peak levels and half life of methadone
Methadone’s elimination half-life is between 8-59 hours. More specifically, the half-life of (R,S)-methadone is 15-60 hours, and 10-40 hours for (R)-methadone. The duration of analgesic action is between 4-8 hours. And although methadone reaches peak concentration in blood plasma at around 4 hours after dosing, it can be detected in the blood 30 minutes after intravenous or oral ingestion.
What is important to understand about methadone is that methadone’s full analgesic effect is usually not attained until after 3-5 days of dosing. And methadone can induce respiratory depression or cardiovascular problems as you start taking it. These risks need to be evaluated and assessed by you and your prescribing doctor before dosing begins.
Methadone drug testing
Most methadone drug tests are done via urine screen. Blood screens and saliva drug tests for methadone are also possible but are not used regularly in clinical settings. Although some doctors believe that concentrations of methadone in blood plasma tests are the “gold standard” to assess treatment compliance, blood testing is relatively impractical, costly, and difficult. Additionally, Methadone and other opioids can be screened via oral fluid, but this method is not currently used in practice very often.
Plus, you should know that proper samples for methadone contain at least two of its metabolites in order to be properly identified. Testing for metabolites prevents you from simply adding methadone to a sample.
So how long does methadone stay in the body? Methadone typically can be detected in urine for 2-4 days after use. Cutoff concentrations for a positive methadone drug test are at 300 ng/mL for both the intial and the confirmation drug screen.
Methadone and addiction
Methadone has an abuse liability similar to that of morphine. Like other opioids used for analgesia, methadone can abused for its euphoric effect. But methadone is also used clinically in long term clinical settings to offset withdrawal and cravings for harder drugs. So how do you know if you are becoming addicted to methadone or not?
Methadone addiction is characterized by compulsive use, use for non-medical purposes, and continued use despite harm or risk of harm. If you think that you have a problem with methadone, you probably do. Getting honest is the first step to getting help. In today’s world drug addiction is a treatable disease and not a stigmatized moral issue. Many treatment options are available, and we invite your questions or requests for help here.
Problems with methadone?
Please let us know. We will do our best to find you answers to your questions, or local resources that can help you find treatment.
Reference sources: Drug testing in oral fluid
FDA Info for Healthcare Professionals about Methadone Hydrochloride
FDA approved dolophine hydrochloride drug label
TIP 43 Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Opioid Treatment Programs
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK14677/?report=printable
NIDA Research Monograph Series 73 Urine Testing for Drugs of Abuse
http://archives.drugabuse.gov/pdf/monographs/73.pdf
9:23 pm
November 18th, 2011
I am currently down to 11ml/daily of methadone and am worried about the effects after I am ‘off’ it completely; I have successfully weaned off it before with no problems but am noticing the effects of withdrawing this time for some reason..and I have only been on it for two years this time (you’d think I would have stayed on it before I know until I had a decent recovery program..but you know us addicts..always the experts!) Anyway, I do have a good recovery going now and am ready to get off it but should I worry about weakness and lethargy, no energy, and general malaise for months when I do get completely weaned or is this all in my head?
7:24 pm
November 19th, 2011
Hi Dollface. It sounds like you are worried about experiencing protracted withdrawal. Methadone is known to have a longer period of withdrawal than other opioids (14-21 days). Congratulations on your decision and we are rooting for you!!!
Check out this advisory from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration about protracted withdrawal from methadone. And let us know if it helps! http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/advisory/pdfs/SATA_Protracted_Withdrawal.pdf
1:14 am
January 1st, 2012
Im just now finished with a methadone program. It took me two years to finally come off of it. Having a good support system helps a lot . The counselor at the clinic sucked . If it wasn’t for my own will power I believe I wouldn’t have made it this far. It was a real longp process . I believe that ifsomeone is serious about getting recovered and use methadone the right way it can do wonders. It all depends on the person. I thank god all the time for helping me through this recovery as well.
1:33 am
January 1st, 2012
The way I did the program was found a good dose to start at and stuck at that mg. For quite sometime to get myself out of the mental addiction to the heroin and pain killers. I Probly stayed at this number for a year or so. Then eventually after time I would make small drops in my dose maybe 2 mg. At the most. Then I would go about a month or so and drop a little more. 2-3 mg now. Work that for another two weeks see how I feel then judging by how I’m sleeping ill make the decision to maybe drop a little more … And once I came down to about 16-19 mg. I would cut 3 mgs. Every two to three weeks. I took my last dose of three mg.Ten days ago and I feel just fine. Didnt really feel much withdraw after 6 mg. Methadone really turned my life around . I would also have to say saved my marrage. I would recommend methadone to someone who is serious about getting help battling an opiate addiction . Just need to build a strong plan in your own mind . And really want to be a drug free person. I guess what im saying is really be sick of the life you have been living and putting your family through . Now two years later things are great I have a great life now. I can say I finally have my life back . It feels good. I hope this post will help someone . Good luck to anyone who faced with this battle.!!!!
2:40 pm
March 7th, 2012
i have been adicted to oxycodonde for 6 7 years due to cronic pain no bull from hep c treatments do not recomend unless your life depends on it. i take 12 30mg pills a day pluss 1 40mg opana er. can methadone truly help me replace these levels of pain killers and still help with my pain levels? i know if i ask my md. to try methadone and it does not work as well as oxycodone he will not let me go back. im told my pain will be life long due to nerve damage from the treatments i need help deciding what to do . im soo tired of living like this
7:36 pm
March 7th, 2012
Hello kemo. From what I understand, methadone is less for pain and more to help manage cravings for stronger opiates. Have you asked your doctor for advice?
10:00 pm
March 24th, 2012
hello, I have been on 180mg for 6-7YRS and im now on 40mg over the past 5 days. i will be off by tuesday but i have to go to the clinic and they make me take my dose so i have to take 110mg my last day. they would not detox me this quickly so im doing it on my own. can you tell me how long till i can safely take a drug test that does screen for methadone? very much appreciated thank you
12:29 pm
March 26th, 2012
Hi Jason. Congratulations on getting off methadone. But why do you need such a rapid detox from methadone? Is there a pre-employment job screen coming up? How do you feel? Doctors do recommend supervised detox from any opiates. At the least, there are medications which can help ease symptoms.
Most opiate urine screens for opiates and opioids can detect metabolites for a few days after last dose. But, after you have taken methadone in chronic high doses, it might be wise to wait a week or more to be sure that a urine screen is clean.
What is your plan for staying off methadone and/or other opiates? Are you going to seek treatment?
11:24 pm
July 28th, 2012
i am currently on 3mgs of methadone. i feel weak, getting goose bumps, sneezing, yawning, water eyes, and cold sweats. i have been on methadone for 5 and 1/2 yrs. i slowly tapered down to 3. however i hope to b off w/i a week. how long will i feel the symptoms of w/d? is there anything recomended like vitamins etc. that could help with the taper?
1:29 am
July 31st, 2012
Hi Bethann. A multivitamin, B vitamins and C vitamin may be able to help. Vitamin C can help to detoxify the body and lessen drug cravings. Vitamins B1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 12 can help various function from digestion to blood cell production. And check out these medications for opioid withdrawal:
http://prescription-drug.addictionblog.org/medications-for-opioid-withdrawal/
Does that help?
12:39 pm
October 10th, 2012
I’m just kinda panicking n hoping to find an answer.I wasn’t addicted to heroin for Too long,about 1-2 years but it got bad enough for me to seek out my towns methclinic..anyway I only got about 2weeks into it n up to 65mg befor I decided I really just wanted to put ALL of this behind me n just start fresh.u kno free n clear n all that..so I began tapering off pretty quik 5mg every 2 days then I slowed down to 2mg a day.its been a 6weeks since I started n im now down to 11mg.I wake up hurting but its nothing I can’t handle.still I worry that maybe im reducing faster than I can metabolize this stuff.I just need to know,given the fact that I wasn’t on it for very long and well…how soon till im back to normal??is the pain only gonna get worse?some1 just tell me they’ve done this befor n come out ok….
1:17 pm
October 15th, 2012
Hi Hilla. Good for you. We’re rooting for you!!! In general, opiate tapering follows these guidelines:
Take two (2) to three (3) weeks to taper
Reduce the each daily dose by 10%
Reduce the dose by 20% every 3-5 days
Reduce the dose by 25% per week
Avoid reducing the daily dose by > 50% at any given interval
Withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, but you can get through it with over the counter pain medications, hot baths or showers, gentle exercise, and support. The urge to use to control symptoms is why experts recommend that you detox medically, as well as the need to supervise symptoms and to administer medications like clonidine when appropriate. But the symptoms should resolve within 5-10 days, or so. Please let us know how you are doing and what has helped you!
2:34 am
October 19th, 2012
does anyone know what could cause someones urine analysis to come back w/out methadone or metabolites when dosing daily at a clinic infront of nursing staff?This seems crazy!!!
7:45 am
October 19th, 2012
Hello dani d. Thanks for your question. It’s possible that your drug screen was mistaken for another’s. Additionally, urinary concentrations of methadone depend not only on dose and metabolism but also on urine pH. Ask for a re-test. Laboratories are subject to human error, and it’s possible that your sample was mixed up!
4:14 pm
October 20th, 2012
Does it really only take 2-4 days for methadone metabolites to be fully out of your system….I heard of people failing a test a mouth after their last dose, anyone else heard of this?
7:48 am
October 22nd, 2012
Hi Pepsi. I wonder if those people who were tested one month after last methadone dose had taken other opioids, were still taking methadone, or were on other drugs? While chronic, high doses of methadone may stay a little while longer in the system…it seems unlikely that methadone is still in the system ONE MONTH after use.
3:17 am
October 23rd, 2012
I just rapidly detoxed off methadone, I was on 80mg/daily, and I was brought down 5mg a day until zero. I wanted to know how long it takes to leave your system, I’m really hurting!!|!
8:33 am
October 24th, 2012
Hello Kerrie. Symptoms of withdrawal from methadone usually peak about 72 hours after last dose and lessen in intensity after the first week. There are medications that can help withdrawal from methadone, though. Have your rapid detox doctors told you about clonidine? What about using over-the-counter NSAIDs for muscular pain?
4:19 am
November 6th, 2012
Hi I have been on Methadone for 9 years to long. I am sick and tired, of being sick and tired of depending on a little white pill that has got a hold of my life and my dependency of it. I am so scared of the withdrawal symptoms that I will be facing. I have been told horror storys of individuals coming off methadone and some passing away from the side effects. I have been on opiates for 30 years but the last 9 have been methadone I started at 180mg a day and down to 40 to 60 mg a day. I was diagnoised with Hep.C about 14 years ago and that was the reason I started on Methadone due to a very high dose of Hydrocodone with high amounts of acedamentaphine. I was on pain meds most of my teen life until now. Due to mulitiple surgerys I am being tested for RA, Arthritis, Nerve damage to my spine. Knee surgery in the past. Nerve graphs back in the early 80s. due to a work accident. Anyway I am wanting to get off the methadone and not sure of the dose reduction. Please Help Me?? I can’t go to my Dr. for help. What do I do or where do turn too.Thank You, Eyeball
11:22 am
November 6th, 2012
Hi Eyeball. You can always contact 1-800-662-HELP for information about how you can stop taking methadone. Tapering and stepping down is a good idea. But how will you manage pain? Also consider that once you have been stabilized on MMT, withdrawal from methadone carries substantial risks. Virtually all who abandon MMT and do not pursue further recovery treatment of some sort eventually relapse and potentially overdose. So you need a plan. Contact a social worker, addiction MD or another methadone clinic in your area to start to open the conversation about getting off methadone. You do not (and should not) need to be alone during this process!
1:53 am
November 16th, 2012
Iwas on methadone for 4yrs..never got past 50mgs…tapered 2mg every 2 weeks until I hit 3mg. Stopped on my own after that!..I never went back!…I had a little trouble sleeping but nothing I couldn’t handle!….
10:23 pm
November 19th, 2012
Am glad I found this site. Have a mate considering methadone program now. Thanks for the great info!
10:03 pm
December 16th, 2012
Hi guys in one year my partner has come down off methadone he is now on half a mil and hasn’t had any in the past 2 days atall. Are his symptoms going to get much worse?? he only has lower back ache/pain and his symptoms are only mainly at night. Does anyone know how long it stays in your system if your comming down off half a mil ?? Thanks heaps
11:16 pm
December 28th, 2012
Okay so I have a question… I detoxed off methadone cold turkey and was on 47 milligrams. It was horrible.. But I didn’t want to be dependent on anything.. I abused pain meds for a while before.. It’s now day 22 and I still have no energy… Anexity……stomach gets very sick… And can barley do anything.. I need to go back to work in a few days and move a whole apartment this weekend… I am not happy camper.. Not to mention that I was on xanex for 2 years and also am kicking that at the same time! Please anyone advice would help. Remember CLIFF (clean.life is freedom forever!
4:53 pm
January 10th, 2013
Hello I just got kicked off my methadone clinic yesterday 1-9-2013 at 100 MG. I was on for 1 year and now have to be done cold turkey. Today 1-10-2013 is my first day without dosing. I am taking Adderall which I am already perscribed (to sell and abuse here and there) and that helps with the withdraw for me, but i was wondering about how long until the methadone is out of my system and is there any kind of things out there to help me detox until I can get on another clinic?
8:57 am
January 14th, 2013
Hi SJB. If you go to a detox clinic, they can prescribe you with clonidine (for blood pressure, nausea, etc), buprenorphine or naloxone for blocking effects, or OTC medications which can address symptoms of withdrawal. Or, go to a local pharmacy and talk with a pharmacist about how you can manage symptoms of methadone withdrawal at home. Often, hot water bottles, baths, showers, massage, NSAIDs etc. can help as you go through withdrawal. This too, shall pass.
11:29 pm
January 17th, 2013
Ok, I just finished my detox off methadone, I stopped at 10mg. So how long can I expect to have withdrawal symptoms? And how bad can they get and how and should they get for what dosage I stopped at?
3:01 am
January 20th, 2013
Also at what date after stopping the methadone would it be safe to take anti anxiety meds for the withdrawal symptoms? I know any interaction with most, if not all of them can result in deAth, and that terrifies me…… Thank you.
9:42 am
February 1st, 2013
Hi Jessica. This question would be best answered by a medical expert such as your prescribing doctor or a pharmacist.
9:51 am
February 18th, 2013
have been taking methadone for 8 years, i started winging my self off methadone 10mg. the last time i took one was february13,2013, i have been off this drug now for 5 days. i have bad muscle pain in both thigs. and i can not sleep at all for the pain. what do i need to do to help with this pain. and how long will this drug stay in my system. please help me i do not want to every do any drugs again i am 51 years old i am tard of doing the drugs!!! i have had 2 heart attacks. thank you, Jerry
8:58 pm
March 18th, 2013
i have been on gear (smack) for over ten gears, i have not stole from shops o robbed ne1. thank god that i come from a good family and have a good rep in town, alot off my boyz sold it n still do so that makes it harder to get clean but worse of stay clean. lisn i been to get implants costing me 5 grand and wen i come off i was back at it. the best way to get of drugs is to ask your self that if u are realy ready to get clean and stay clean. u have to change who u chill with and u have to change your life stlye. i was on a meth script and went from 100ml down to 5ml. first i stayed on it for 4weeks and then reduced ten ml a weeek, my support worker dint wnt me to but then again they wud’nt wnt u to bcoz if they got every body clean they wud be out of work. NEWAY THE BEST WAY TO KICK THE GEAR PAIN FREE IS BY HAVIN A HABIT ON GEAR, GET SUM METH 100ML N START WITH 40ML TO 30ML, TO 20ML TO 10ML and the jus leave it, trust me it is well easy, after 2/3days u myt jus have a little gas in belly o if not myt not b able to go toilet THATS ALL ,U WILL SLEEP. U WUNT GET HOT N COLD CHILLS, no yawns, no being sik, no nothng. TRY TO EAT AS MUCH AS U CAN EVEN IF THTS 1 BIT.
8:51 pm
April 25th, 2013
I took 10 mg of methadone on sat due to severe pain from ceserean I had to take an oral swab on tues will it shoe up?
4:38 pm
May 2nd, 2013
I hope this can be answered a few times i have taken my methadone … I switched from opana. So I do sometimes take a bit more but always have atleast 5mg the day of my drug test and they tell me I didn’t test positive if i saved 30 mg the morning of my test would it show positive. I don’t want my dr to think I am selling it < and I am not.. please give me adivce
1:13 am
May 17th, 2013
HILLA, when I got off methadone it actually took a year year and a half to feel “normal”. I had horrable anxity from detoxing. I see it’s been a while since you posted this question and I am wondering how your feeling at this point. Thanks
12:52 pm
May 17th, 2013
i have 2 give a clean urine on wed i took 20mills of methadone this morning,, will it be clean or dirty ?