A Dose-Finding Study of Methadone Loading Dose Initiation for Opioid Use Disorder With Fentanyl Use
The goal of this study is to develop a loading dose approach to starting methadone to treat opioid use disorder with fentanyl use (fentanyl OUD, herein). This study is a participant- and assessor- blinded dose-finding study using the Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design. Investigators aim to recruit n=24 participants with fentanyl OUD to a research unit for monitored methadone initiation. Participants will be randomized to standard initiation vs. loading dose initiation at one of four doses.
• Male, female, transgender, or non-binary, aged 18 years or older
• DSM-5 criteria for opioid use disorder, moderate-severe
• Fentanyl positive urine drug test
• Able to provide a dated \& written informed consent in English prior to the conduct of any study related procedures
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
• Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the dosage regimen
• Interest in starting methadone treatment for opioid use disorder at one of three locations: Merakey Parkside at 5000 Parkside, Merakey 5429 Germantown Avenue, or Merakey 1745 North 4th Street
• Reliable access to a working phone