Key Takeaways

• Methadone Usage: Prescribed for pain management and as part of MAT for opioid dependence.
• Duration of Effects: Lasts 4-8 hours for pain relief and 24-48 hours for MAT.
• Half-Life: Ranges from 8 to 59 hours, taking about 35 hours for complete elimination.
• Detection Times: Up to 14 days in urine, 90 days in hair, 55 hours in blood, and 2 days in saliva.
• Drug Testing: Commonly detects methadone, with potential for false positives from other medications.
• Influencing Factors: Frequency of use, age, dosage, medical history, and drug interactions affect how long methadone stays in the system.
• Addiction Support: The Recovery Village Salem offers comprehensive detox and rehab programs to help overcome methadone addiction safely and effectively.

Methadone is a prescription medication commonly utilized for managing pain and as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for individuals dependent on heroin or prescription opioid painkillers. Although typically taken once daily, methadone can linger in your system for an extended period. Understanding the duration methadone stays in your body is crucial if you are prescribed this medication.

Duration of Methadone’s Effects

The length of time methadone remains effective varies based on its intended use. When prescribed for pain relief, a single dose of methadone can provide relief for four to eight hours. Conversely, when used in MAT for opioid use disorder, methadone’s effects can persist for 24 to 48 hours, offering more prolonged symptom management.

Methadone’s Half-Life

A drug’s half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. Methadone has a notably long half-life, ranging from 8 to 59 hours, though this can vary significantly depending on individual factors. It generally takes about five half-lives for methadone to be fully cleared from the system, meaning it can remain detectable in the body for up to 35 hours or more. Prolonged use can alter methadone metabolism, potentially extending its presence in the body. Additionally, methadone is extensively metabolized, allowing its metabolites to be detectable and indicating recent use.

Methadone Detection in Various Body Fluids

• Urine: Methadone and its metabolite EDDP (2-Ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine) can be detected in urine for up to 14 days after the last dose.
• Hair: Methadone is traceable in a 1.5-inch hair sample for up to 90 days following the final use.
• Blood: Both methadone and EDDP remain detectable in blood for up to 55 hours after the last intake.
• Saliva: Although uncommon and unreliable, methadone can be detected in saliva for up to two days after the last use.

Methadone and Drug Testing

Methadone is frequently identified in drug screenings, sometimes abbreviated as MTD. These tests are often ordered for legal reasons, employment, or medical compliance to ensure individuals are adhering to their methadone prescriptions.

False Positives for Methadone

Although rare, false positives for methadone can occur, where other substances are mistakenly identified as methadone. Common substances that may cause false positives include:

• Verapamil: A medication for blood pressure
• Diphenhydramine: An antihistamine
• Doxylamine: An antihistamine
• Quetiapine: An antipsychotic

If a drug test indicates a positive result for methadone but you have not taken the drug, a confirmatory test should be performed to rule out a false positive.

Factors Influencing Methadone’s Duration in the System

Several factors determine how long methadone remains in your body, including:

• Frequency of Use: Methadone accumulates with regular use, increasing the time it takes to be eliminated.
• Age: Younger and healthier individuals may process and eliminate methadone more rapidly.
• Dosage: Higher doses of methadone can extend the duration it stays in your system.
• Medical History: Conditions such as pregnancy can alter methadone metabolism, shortening its presence during the second and third trimesters.
• Drug Interactions: Certain medications can either accelerate or prolong methadone’s elimination from the body.

Seeking Help for Methadone Addiction in Salem, OR

If you or a loved one is struggling with methadone dependence, the prospect of quitting may seem daunting. However, you do not have to face this challenge alone. The Recovery Village Salem is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Our medical detox program safely weans you off methadone in a comfortable, monitored environment, while our inpatient and outpatient rehab programs equip you with the tools necessary to maintain long-term sobriety.