What is the starting oral dose of methadone for most patients?

The starting oral dose of methadone for most patients is typically within the range of 2.5 to 5 mg every 8 hours. Methadone is a long-acting opioid that is commonly used for pain management and opioid dependency treatment. When initiating treatment, it is essential to start with a lower dose to assess the individual's response to the medication, considering factors such as previous opioid use, the patient's overall health, and the presence of any concurrent medications that might interact with methadone.

Dosing adjustments can then be made based on the patient's pain control and any side effects experienced. The chosen range allows for adequate control of moderate pain while minimizing the risk of overdose and side effects, particularly sedation and respiratory depression, which can occur with higher doses. Additionally, this approach aligns with the principle of "start low and go slow" that is commonly embraced in palliative care settings to ensure patient safety and comfort while effectively managing pain.