Methadone clinics can offer methadone to be administered on-site. Some clinics can also provide services like monitoring treatment, observed dosing or consultation services.
Methadone clinics operating in the United States follow strict regulations under federal and state law. Before a patient can consent to treatment, they must receive sufficient information. This information includes the reasons for treatment and recommended treatment options, side effects or risks, as well rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order receive methadone treatments. The doctor must verify that the patient has consented to treatment and then treatment planning can be started. It is necessary that the patient can show evidence that they have been addicted for at least one calendar year. A clinical evaluation will be required before any treatment can start. This will cover drug use history, coexisting disorders, the impact of substance usage on life, as well as information about the treatment goal and guidelines. An evaluation of medical condition is done through a urinalysis. This includes reviewing past and current health histories and testing for conditions such as HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis. The doctor prescribes the medication. The nursing staff monitors the medication. New York State, for example, has had to change the requirements for being accepted into methadone clinics due to changes in prescription pain medication.
In the United States there are approximately 1500 methadone centers that are federally approved to provide opioid treatment programs. There are generally two kinds of methadone clinics: the public and private. The public clinics are typically more affordable. Unfortunately, the waiting list is often long due to limited funding. Private clinics tend to be more expensive but often have a shorter or no waiting list. The availability of methadone clinics is limited in many areas of the United States. That presents problems for anyone who lives far from one. California, Maryland New York, New Jersey, and New York have the largest concentrations. All methadone centers must register as an approved opioid treatment program with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration and renew annually or every three year depending on the accreditation term. The Drug Enforcement Administration must be registered with methadone treatment centers before the medication can be given. Although the treatment is open to adults, it is not recommended for patients under the age 18.
Methadone may cause a prolonged QT interval and sertraline (Zoloft). If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: pounding heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Do not allow anyone else to take your medication. Methadone may harm or cause death to other people who take your medication, especially children. Store methadone in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose. Be especially careful to keep methadone out of the reach of children. Keep track of how many tablets or how much liquid is left so you will know if any medication is missing. Dispose of any unwanted methadone tablets or oral solution properly according to instructions. (See STORAGE and DISPOSAL.)