Methadone Prescribing Caveats for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder

Methadone is an opioid agonist with unique pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties to consider when prescribing. Similar to other opioids, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance; however, its indication for opioid use disorder includes additional federal regulations. Methadone has several serious boxed warnings that require providers to closely evaluate patient risk factors and perform a thorough assessment. Providers must also take into consideration all possible drug interactions before prescribing methadone; the patient could be placed at risk if not considered. Involving the patient in the decision to prescribe methadone will assist in ensuring a full history has been gathered.