Methadone is a synthetic, long-acting opioid drug. It is primarily used to manage severe pain and to treat opioid addiction. It is a long-acting medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It works by hooking to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, such as heroin and morphine. Unlike these drugs, methadone is regulated by the government. It is only available through a licensed methadone clinic.
It is considered safe and effective to take medicines as prescribed. It enables people to overcome their addictions and resume productive lives. For the best results, patients should participate in MAT, which involves counseling and social support.
This article provides information about how long methadone stays in the urine. It also explains the factors that can affect the results of a methadone urine test.
Methadone Formats
Methadone often has 24 – 36-hour effects after a single dosage. A person on drug treatment therapy must visit the dispensing clinic to get the next dosage within the time frame. There are three ways to get methadone:
Tablets
It is often known as diskettes. These are dissolved in water before being swallowed.
Powder
For oral intake, this is also dissolved in water.
Liquid
The liquid version is most frequently used in methadone maintenance clinics.
Injection
Methadone for injection is always illegal. A recovered person cannot obtain injectable methadone from licensed medical centers or physicians.
How Methadone is Metabolized
Methadone is metabolized in the liver into several metabolites excreted in the urine. The primary metabolite of methadone is 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenyl pyrrolidine (EDDP). It can be easily detected by blood, hair, saliva, and urine tests. In most cases, methadone leaves the body in two weeks.
Role of the Liver
The liver is responsible for breaking down methadone into its metabolites. These metabolites are then excreted from the body. Individuals with liver disease or damage may metabolize methadone differently. It can affect the detection window for methadone in urine/hair/saliva/blood.
Factors That Affect Methadone Metabolism
Several factors can affect how quickly methadone is metabolized in the human body. These include gender, age, body weight, liver function, and other medications. Certain drugs can also affect the metabolism of methadone. It can alter the detection window for methadone in urine.
How Long Does Methadone Stay in Urine
Methadone addiction treatment can be an effective tool in managing opioid addiction. It also helps reduce the risk of relapse. For this purpose, it is vital to know how long methadone stays in urine. Methadone tests can analyze this.
Detection windows refer to when a drug or its metabolites can be detected in a biological sample. The sample can be blood, hair, urine, or saliva. The detection window for methadone in urine depends on several factors. These factors are:
- Age
- Gender
- Liver function
- Metabolism
- Additional ailments
- Dosage amount
- Frequency of use
- Duration of Methadone use
- Concurrent usage of any other drug
Standard Detection Windows for Methadone
The standard detection window for methadone in urine is 2-4 days. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. Sometimes, methadone can be detected in urine for up to 13 days or longer after the last dose. Factors such as hydration and pH levels can also affect the detection window for methadone in urine.
How Long Does Methadone Last in Your System?
Up to 8 hours may pass between highs triggered by the medication. Nonetheless, based on how often a person uses methadone, its effects might last up to 48 hours. Methadone’s actual high can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. The medicine can stay in the human body for four days.
A person on methadone may experience sedation, euphoria, and sleepiness, among other symptoms. Some typical adverse effects of methadone include:
- Sweating
- Slower heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Narrowed pupils
- Cottonmouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Flushing of the face
Symptoms of Methadone Addiction
To provide yourself or your loved ones with the care they require, you must be able to recognize the symptoms of methadone addiction. When someone starts using methadone or ups their dosage, their behavior might alter radically. They will become addicted to the drug. The following are some signs of a methadone addiction:
Increasing Tolerance
After a user of methadone reaches a certain point, they may become addicted to it. As a person becomes tolerant to a substance, a greater dosage is needed to provide the same effects as previously. This is typically the first indication, although it’s not a failsafe method.
Prioritizing Methadone
Addiction may be evident if a Methadone user puts their drug use ahead of their social and family obligations.
Discomfortable Withdrawal
These are present in persistent Methadone users after quitting the drug. From cramping and sleeplessness to sadness, these signs might be present. These are only a few.
Factors Affecting Methadone Urine Test Results
The detection window for methadone in urine can vary depending on several factors. To pass a urine test, methadone users can follow best practices, prepare properly, and avoid false positives. Let’s look at the elements first.
- Dosage of Methadone
The dosage of methadone taken can affect the detection window for methadone in urine. Higher doses of methadone can result in a longer detection window. On the other hand, the lower doses may be eliminated more quickly.
- Frequency of Usage
The frequency of methadone use can also affect the detection window for methadone in urine. Individuals who use methadone regularly may have a longer detection window than those who infrequently do.
- Diversity & Variability Among People
Individual differences, such as age, gender, weight, and overall health, can affect how quickly methadone is metabolized and eliminated from the body. Individuals with liver disease or damage may metabolize methadone differently, which can affect urine test results.
- Age of Individual
Drugs are metabolized and excreted more slowly in older adults (65 years and older). This is typically caused by several factors, such as decreased liver and renal function, slowed metabolism, ineffective physiological function, etc.
- Presence of Other Substances
The existence of additional substances, such as other opioids, alcohol, or medications, can affect the metabolism and elimination of methadone.
How to Pass a Methadone Urine Test
Methadone users can take several steps to help pass a urine test. Communicating with the healthcare provider about any other medications being taken is essential, as they can impact methadone metabolism and detection. The crucial steps include the following:
- Stay hydrated
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Follow the prescribed dosage
- Avoid other substances that can affect methadone metabolism
Preparing for a Urine Test
Understanding how methadone is metabolized and detected in urine can help individuals manage their medication use and pass drug tests. It is advised to drink plenty of water and urinate frequently leading up to the test.
Communicating with an addiction treatment healthcare provider about any other medications being taken and following prescribed dosages is essential. Individuals should also be aware of the detection window for methadone in urine and plan accordingly.
Tips for Avoiding False Positives
False positives can occur when other substances in the body are mistaken for methadone metabolites. To avoid false positives, individuals should inform the healthcare provider of any medications or supplements being taken. They must also avoid consuming substances that can cross-react with the test, such as poppy seeds.
Launch Centers Can Assist With Methadone Addiction Treatment
Methadone is a valuable tool in managing pain and addiction. Urine testing can help ensure that it is being used appropriately. By understanding the detection window and factors affecting results, you can take steps to pass a urine test and maintain your addiction treatment plan.
Located in Los Angeles, California, Launch Centers offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs for your Methadone addiction. Our team consists of qualified therapists, staff members, and clinicians with experience in treating problems related to substance abuse. We can assist you whether you’re interested in counseling, sober living, or our intensive outpatient treatment.
Addiction is treatable. Let’s get going!
