Methadone builds up slowly in the body as it has a long halflife. Which means that it stays around in the body for a longer while, like 36 hours but at a reduced amount. When you take short acting meds, they work for 2-3-4 hours or so, and then are basically gone. So at first you will not notice too much difference tll after 48 hours or even more. After 4 or 5 days, you may notice that you do not need the short acting meds as often or as many. Because of the long half life methadone last through the whole day, and you can actually take the whole dose at night. But, you can split and take it every 12 hours or even every 8,which you will know over time, as you use it. 1/2 tab is a very small dose. You many not even notice a big difference till after you are on 10 mg or so a day. I would wait till about the third day of 1/2 tab nightly,and then try a schedule of the meds you take now, Maybe one at 7am 12 n, 5 pm and 10 pm. and see if this works, or if not, you can always add more break through meds. But if you can get by onthe lesser amount, then after you have been on the 1 mg, reduce to 3 times a day or so. You may find you are looking at the clock, and need it sooner, but you may also find you do not need one at the time so put it off for a little while. The goal would be over the next few weeks to manage your pain with the night time dose, or if you prefer the total divided into half , taking say 5 mg (one tab) in am and half at night 12 hours later.) After that you adjust by either increasing the dose or, you can take one tablet at night 1/2 tab in am 1/2 tab at noon. It is sort of a personal thing you work out. But soon at the right dose, you find you only need a breakthrough med occasionally. I found that I took my dose all at night, I might require a break through pill in the afternoone of norco, but not always. My friend takes 10 mg at night 10 mg in am and 5 mg at noon. It is differentfo different people. BUT it is a great med for longacting relief. Good luck It is also a hard med to go back off of after years, as it has the long half life, but for those it works for, it is a GREAT med.

Hey Honor

When I started Methadone, it was the same type of prescription. I started with a 1/2 in the am and then the pm for 5 mg per day.
I was told not take other pain relievers with this medication except I could take my muscle relaxer (Baclofen)

My MD said that the goal was to get rid of the other pain meds and just have me on Methadone. Unfortunately for me, I was not able to be on it very long as it caused my hands and feet to swell. I also was literally falling asleep in mid sentence to people while at work.

I was switched to Morphine which works much better with a breakthrough of hydrocodone during the day and my baclofen.

Methadone was originally developed way back in the day to help people get off of heroin. It is still used for that but, it has also been found to be a very good pain reliever for many people.

I hope this works for you. HUGS!

Superduck the exact same thing happened to me my feet swelled so big my shoes wouldn't go on.

Honor take the methadone exactly the way your dr. told you too. If your in doubt always call your doctor and ask for clarification. Methadone can be very dangerous more so than opiods. I currently take morphine ER and dilaudid for breakthrough and tizandine for spasms. I was afraid of methadone. I watched my brother take it and he fell asleep standing up. I cant take it.

I hope you get relief soon. It does work for pain.

Healing hugs

Superduck,
May I ask who you are seeing now for PM??? I'm
looking for aa new PM and it would be great if could find someone that gives breakthrough meds...
Thank you,
Molly Tamale

Hope you find relief