MethaLoad Dose-Finding Study

MethaLoad Dose-Finding Study
Recruiting
18 years - 99 years
All
Phase N/A
24 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

Do you use fentanyl and want to start methadone? You may qualify for a paid research study at Penn Medicine. 

Methadone is usually started at a low dose that goes up slowly over days to weeks. Some people stay in withdrawal while their dose catches up. This study is testing whether a higher first dose, called a "loading dose," is safe and relieves withdrawal faster. You will stay 2 nights in a Penn Medicine hospital. Doctors and nurses will give you methadone, watch you closely, and treat withdrawal symptoms with other medications. When you leave the hospital, we will connect you directly to a methadone clinic so you can keep getting treatment. We will check in with you by phone over the next 30 days.

Detailed description of study

  • What medication will I get? Methadone, an FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder. On your first day, you will get either the standard starting dose (40 mg) or a higher loading dose (60, 80, 100, or 120 mg). Your group is chosen by chance. You will not be told which dose you received. On your second and third day, you will get 30 to 60 mg. A doctor will care for you during your whole hospital stay.
  • What happens after the hospital? You will go straight from the hospital to enroll at a methadone clinic in Philadelphia to continue treatment. We will set up your first appointment and arrange your ride there.
  • How long will I be in the study? About 1 month: a screening visit or two, a 2-night hospital stay, and follow up phone calls for 30 days to see how you are doing. During the screening phase, you are asked to come to our Treatment Research Center for consent, medical, and psychiatric screening
  • Will it cost me anything? No. The study pays for the methadone, medical care, or lab tests you get as part of the study. The study does not pay for care you choose to get outside the study.
  • Will I be paid? Yes. You will be paid for each part of the study you complete, up to $325 total: $50 for screening, $125 for each hospital day, and $25 for the final phone call.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder
  • Age: 18 years - 99 years
  • Gender: All

  • Are 18 or older
  • Currently have opioid addiction with fentanyl use
  • Want to start methadone treatment
  • Are NOT currently taking methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone)

A study doctor will review your health during screening to make sure the study is safe for you.

Updated on 01 Oct 2026. Study ID: 25-0264

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