Guidelines & Interactions for Medication-Assisted Treatment
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Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) works best when your care team has a full picture of your health and medications. At MedMark Treatment Centers, you’ll receive guidance on safer medication use, drug interactions, storage, driving, and travel so treatment can fit your life.
Why MAT Guidelines Matter
MAT medications like methadone and buprenorphine (or Suboxone) can be safe and effective when used as directed. Clear guidelines help you avoid risky combinations and get more consistent relief from cravings and withdrawal. Depending on your clinical needs and progress, take-home doses may be available earlier in treatment than in the past, with safety guidelines in place.
You’ll receive support to:
Share the right information with medical providers
Understand common medication interactions
Store take-home doses safely
Know when driving is safe
Plan ahead for travel and guest dosing
You’ll also receive individual counseling as part of your treatment plan, so you can build coping skills and relapse-prevention strategies alongside medication.
Drug Interactions to Know About
All medications can interact. Most will not affect MAT, but some can increase side effects or raise safety risks.
Methadone Interactions
Use extra caution with:
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates (these can increase sedation and breathing risks)
- Some opioid agonist/antagonist medications that may trigger withdrawal
- Certain medications and substances can change how quickly methadone is metabolized
If you feel unusually drowsy, “off,” or in mild withdrawal, your dose may need adjustment.
Buprenorphine Interactions
Important points to know:
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates can raise sedation and breathing risks
- Some opioid pain medications may be less effective while on buprenorphine
- Suboxone includes naloxone, which can trigger withdrawal if misused (for example, injected or inhaled)
You’ll receive help reviewing current medications, OTC products, vitamins, and herbs.
Tell Your Providers You Are in MAT
To receive the best care, all prescribing providers must know you’re in a MAT program. This includes urgent care visits, dental work, and planned procedures.
You’ll be encouraged to:
Bring an updated medication list to each appointment
Ask questions before surgery, anesthesia, or delivery care
Coordinate care across providers when possible
Note: Providers typically need your written consent to coordinate care due to privacy rules.
Safe Storage for Take-Home MAT Medication
If you receive take-home doses, safe storage protects your household and your treatment plan. Even small amounts can be dangerous for children, pets, or anyone without opioid tolerance. If anyone other than the patient ingests the medication, call 911 immediately.
Best practices you’ll follow:
- Store medication in a locked box or locked cabinet
- Keep it in the original labeled container
- Protect it from heat and cold (and keep buprenorphine away from moisture)
- Never share, trade, or sell MAT medications
Driving While on Methadone or Buprenorphine
Once you’re stable on the right dose, you should be able to think clearly and function normally, including driving.
Do not drive if you feel tired, sedated, or unable to focus, or if you’ve mixed MAT medication with alcohol or other substances. If driving feels unsafe, tell your provider. Your dose or other medications may need review.
Traveling While in a Methadone Program
Travel is possible with planning. You may qualify for travel take-home doses, or you may need guest medication services arranged at another clinic. For international travel, rules can vary widely, and methadone may be restricted in some places.
To prepare, you’ll typically need to:
- Plan early and confirm eligibility for travel take-homes
- Coordinate guest dosing dates and authorization when needed
- Understand limits on how much medication you can carry
Our Accreditation
All MedMark Treatment Centers locations are federally certified, state licensed, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept most private insurance. Veterans are eligible through the VA Community Care Network (Optum and TriWest) with prior authorization.
Contact Us Today to Get Started
If you have questions about MAT guidelines, medication interactions, or safer day-to-day routines in treatment, support is available. MedMark Treatment Centers provides clear guidance and evidence-based care, helping you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT
Why do I need to tell other doctors I’m in MAT?
Because some medications and anesthesia can interact with methadone or buprenorphine. Sharing this helps your providers choose safer options.
What should I avoid while on methadone or Suboxone?
Avoid alcohol and sedatives unless a provider approves them. These combinations can raise sedation and breathing risks.
Can other medications change how methadone works?
Yes. Some medicines can speed up or slow down how methadone is metabolized, which may affect how you feel day to day.
Is it safe to drive on MAT?
Many people can drive once stable on the right dose. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, impaired, or have mixed substances.
How should I store take-home doses?
Use a locked box or cabinet, keep meds in the original bottle, and store them away from heat, cold, moisture, kids, and pets.
Can I travel while in a methadone program?
Yes. With planning, you may get travel take-homes or arrange guest dosing. Your clinic can help coordinate timing and paperwork.