Levomethadyl (Systemic)

Brand Names : Orlaam, LAAM, LAM, levacetylmethadol, levo-alpha-acetylmethadol, levomethadyl acetate, MK790

Proper Use of This Medicine

Most patients are given their dose of levomethadyl at the clinic. You may be able to take some doses of your levomethadyl at home if your health care professional feels you are responsible to do that. Most people will have to go to the clinic 3 times a week.

Dosing - The dose of levomethadyl will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of levomethadyl.

• For oral dosage form (oral solution):
  • For treating narcotic addiction:
    • Adults - The first dose of levomethadyl for patients who have not started treatment with methadone is between 20 and 40 milligrams (mg). The first dose for patients who have been receiving methadone will be a little higher than the amount of methadone that was being taken every day, but not more than 120 mg. Your doctor will then adjust your dose, depending on whether you experience withdrawal symptoms or side effects after the first dose. More than one change in the dose may be needed, until the right dose for you has been found.
      Most people will receive levomethadyl 3 times a week, either on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Some people need a larger dose on Friday or Saturday, so that the medicine will last until the next visit. In detoxification programs, the dose of levomethadyl will gradually be decreased until the patient is able to stop taking it. In maintenance programs, treatment may be continued as long as needed.
      If you miss one treatment in your program, your health care professional will have to adjust your treatment schedule and dose; you may need to start a new program with a lower starting dose if you miss more than one treatment or have been off the treatment for more than one week.
    • Children - In the U.S., levomethadyl cannot be used for patients younger than 18 years of age.