What Is Methadone? Drug Class, Schedule & Drug Test Answers

Evidence-based answer reviewed against SAMHSA cutoffs and FDA assay documentation · Updated September 2026

Quick answer: Methadone is a Full synthetic opioid agonist (MAT). Schedule II (dispensed via OTP clinics). Here's how the drug is classified, whether it's a narcotic/controlled substance, and what that means for testing.

What is Methadone?

Drug class: Full synthetic opioid agonist (MAT)

Federal schedule: Schedule II (dispensed via OTP clinics).

Methadone maintenance patients show steady-state levels constantly — clinic programs EXPECT positivity and monitor take-home compliance via EDDP ratios.

Is Methadone a narcotic?

It is classified as a narcotic under the DEA's federal schedule. What matters more for you: Schedule II (dispensed via OTP clinics)..

Does it show up on drug tests?

No — it is not on the standard 5-panel; it appears only on expanded or panel-specific orders. See the full Methadone drug test guide for detection windows and cutoffs.

False-positive caution

  • Diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine), doxylamine, verapamil, clomipramine, and quetiapine (quetiapine) have documented methadone-screen false positives.

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Medical disclaimer: DrugPanels provides educational information about laboratory drug testing and does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Detection windows are population ranges — individual results vary with metabolism, dose, frequency and health status. Never stop prescribed medication to pass a test without talking to your prescriber. Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; if you order through them we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

People also ask

Does Methadone Show up on a Drug Test?

No — Methadone is absent from standard drug panels. Full guide →

How Long Does Methadone Show up in a Drug Test?

How long Methadone stays detectable in your system (all test types) — urine, hair, saliva & blood windows explained with cutoffs. Full guide →

How to Pass a Drug Test for Methadone?

Evidence-based ways to pass a drug test for Methadone — realistic timelines, what works, what backfires, and dilution flags to avoid. Full guide →

How Long Does Methadone Stay in Saliva Drug Test?

How long Methadone stays detectable in saliva (mouth swab) — urine, hair, saliva & blood windows explained with cutoffs. Full guide →

Do prescriptions count against me?

No — verified prescriptions report as negative through the Medical Review Officer. Declare medications at collection and answer the follow-up call.

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Sources & further reading

  • SAMHSA — Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (cutoffs, MRO process)
  • DOT — 49 CFR Part 40 procedures for transportation workplace testing
  • Brahm NC et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2008;83(1):66–76 — false-positive cross-reactivity reference
  • FDA — drug-of-abuse test device labeling (detection window conventions)