How long can a patient receive methadone from a practitioner without a prescription while awaiting treatment?

A patient can receive methadone from a practitioner without a prescription for a maximum of 3 days while awaiting treatment. This provision is in place to ensure that patients in need of treatment for opioid dependency can have some immediate access to medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings as they transition into a formal treatment program. Methadone is a highly regulated medication due to its potential for abuse and dependence, so the limitation to a 3-day supply without a prescription reflects a balance between accessibility for patients in crisis and the need for oversight in its use.

Under federal regulations, particularly those governing the treatment of opioid use disorder, this 3-day provision helps to prevent longer-term dispensing of methadone outside of a structured treatment environment, which is essential for ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care. Longer periods without a prescription could lead to improper use and increase the risk of misuse or diversion, which is why the duration is strictly limited.