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

You may qualify for a paid research study that tests a new way of starting methadone for people using fentanyl. The standard approach to starting methadone uses low doses that increase slowly over time. This study tests whether a higher starting dose, called a loading dose, works better by reducing withdrawal symptoms faster. Participants will be randomly assigned to the standard starting dose or one of four higher loading doses. Participants will receive methadone over a 2-night inpatient stay at a Penn Medicine hospital. We will monitor and treat your withdrawal symptoms and follow up with you by phone after the study for 30 days to see how you are doing. 

Detailed description of study

  • What medication is being used? On the first day, you will receive the standard initiation dose of methadone (40 mg a day) or a higher loading dose of methadone (60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, or 120 mg). On the second and third day, you will receive between 30 - 60 mg of methadone each day. Methadone is an FDA approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Throughout the duration of the study, you will be under a doctor's care.
  • How long will I be involved? About 32 days in total: a screening visit or two, a 2-night inpatient 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 the Treatment Research Center, go through a consent process, medical, and psychiatric screening.
  • Will I have to pay? No. There is no charge for medical care, methadone, or laboratory services you will receive in this study. Other diagnostic or treatment services that you may decide to seek outside the research study will not be covered by the research study or the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Will I receive compensation? Yes! You will be compensated for each visit that you attend and complete. Maximum compensation for completing the study is $325.

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

Inclusion Criteria: 

  • 18 or older
  • using fentanyl
  • interested in starting methadone

Updated on 11 May 2026. Study ID: 25-0264

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