The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast Addiction Medicine Series #1 Methadone for OUD w/Dr. Ruth Potee
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Jul 7, 2022 AI Snips
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Fentanyl's Devastating Effects
- Dr. Ruth Potee described fentanyl as 'garbage' that forces people to use repeatedly just to feel normal.
- She emphasized the harm from frequent injections: more overdoses, infections, and hospitalizations.
Use The 72‑Hour Bridging Rule
- The DEA's 72‑hour rule allows ED or hospital pharmacies to dispense methadone to outpatients for up to 72 hours while arranging OTP follow‑up.
- Use this to bridge patients from ED to clinics when immediate transfer isn't possible.
Therapeutic Dose Range And Caution
- Expect most patients to stabilize between ~80–120 mg methadone, though individual needs vary widely.
- Slow increments when you reach ~60 mg because methadone accumulates with a long half‑life.