Individualizing methadone treatment with split dosing: An underutilized tool
Author Department
Medicine
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
6-2023
Abstract
Methadone's long half-life typically allows for once daily dosing. However, a growing body of evidence and clinical experience shows that some patients may benefit from twice-daily ("split") dosing to produce more stable symptoms and minimize side effects, independent of serum peak-to-trough levels. Concerns regarding split dosing typically center on diversion and poor adherence and must be taken seriously. However, policy changes during COVID-19 demonstrate that the rigidity historically applied to methadone may be unnecessarily stringent. Given clinical advances and policy updates, we believe clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits of this underutilized tool for select patients, as we await the evidence-based recommendations our patients deserve.
Keywords: COVID-19; Methadone; Opioid treatment program; Split dosing.
Recommended Citation
Braun HM, Potee RA. Individualizing methadone treatment with split dosing: An underutilized tool. J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2023 Jun 8:209096. doi: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209096. Epub ahead of print.
PMID
37301287