During pregnancy, is it common to increase the dosage of methadone for opioid use disorder treatment?

It is indeed common to increase the dosage of methadone for individuals undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. The patient's metabolism can significantly change throughout pregnancy, often leading to a higher clearance of the drug. As the body adapts to the presence of the drug and due to changes in body weight, blood volume, and hormone levels, the usual dosage may not provide the same level of therapeutic effect as it did before pregnancy. Therefore, monitoring and adjusting the methadone dosage is essential to ensure both the health of the mother and the developing fetus.

Additionally, maintaining adequate levels of methadone is crucial to prevent withdrawal symptoms in the mother, which can negatively impact pregnancy and fetal health. It is a standard practice to evaluate the patient's response regularly and adjust the dosage as necessary throughout the course of the pregnancy to achieve stable therapeutic levels.