Tell your key worker or your doctor that you missed a dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time. Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. What if I miss my dose? If you take methadone at home It can sometimes be quicker, for example if you're detoxing in hospital or residential rehab. If you're taking it for detox, your dose will gradually be reduced until you do not need to take it anymore. If you're taking methadone for maintenance therapy, you will usually take it long term. You'll discuss this with your key worker and prescriber to work out what is right for you. When you have stabilised on methadone, it may be possible to take some of your doses at home. When you start your treatment, and until your dose is stabilised, a key worker or pharmacist will usually supervise you as you take methadone. Speak to your prescriber if that's going to be difficult. To begin with, you'll usually visit the pharmacy every day and take your methadone there. You can pick a pharmacy near your home or work. They will ask you to choose a pharmacy to take your prescriptions to. This may be a nurse, doctor or a prescribing pharmacist. You will get your first prescription (or script) from your GP, or a prescriber at your drug treatment service. Many people then take a regular dose of between 60mg and 120mg a day. This can be increased slowly, until your withdrawal symptoms are under control and your cravings stop. You will usually start on 10mg to 30mg, taken once a day. whether you have had treatment for drug addiction before.a urine sample (to test for heroin and other drugs).whether you are using other drugs or alcohol.Dosage for heroin addictionĭoses vary from person to person. You can have a drink of water afterwards if you like. With liquid methadone, swallow the medicine in one go. This is usually prescribed by a pain specialist and comes as tablets or injections.Īlways follow the instructions that come with your medicine. Methadone is also used for end of life care and severe pain. You'll get your prescription from your GP or local drug treatment service. If you're having treatment for heroin addiction (dependence), methadone usually comes as a green liquid. Methadone is available on prescription only.
However many of them go on to detox and become free of heroin and methadone. Some people start taking methadone for maintenance therapy. detox (detoxification) – where you switch from heroin to a substitute like methadone, before gradually withdrawing from the substitute so you're completely free from both.maintenance therapy – where you switch from heroin to a heroin substitute like methadone, then stay on a stable dose of the substitute.There are 2 main approaches to stopping heroin: It reduces your withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, shivering and other flu-like symptoms. Methadone is used to help you stop taking heroin. Other opioids include codeine, morphine, fentanyl and diamorphine (heroin). Methadone is a man-made opioid (also known as an opiate).