Methadone protects against fatal OD even by potent illicit fentanyl

Illicit fentanyl is so potent that it can kill in seconds and has been blamed for the continued high rate of opioid overdose deaths, even as prescription opioids and heroin are declining as the culprits. It is so strong that some people have wondered if therapeutic doses of methadone would protect patients against the effects. Researchers in Rhode Island have found that, indeed, therapeutic doses of methadone do protect against some of these effects and, furthermore, help patients achieve abstinence from illicit opioids.