Methadone Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Methadone	Clonidine	Methocarbamol	Enter another drug to compare

Methadone

Clonidine

Methocarbamol

Prescription only

Methadone is a potent opioid analgesic that may be used to relieve severe pain unresponsive to other strong pain relievers; however, it is more commonly used to treat opioid addiction. There is a... View more

Prescription only

Clonidine can be used to lower blood pressure and extended-release forms are used to treat ADHD; however, it causes sedation, and tolerance can develop to its blood pressure-lowering effects... View more

Prescription only

Methocarbamol is only given when other treatments for musculoskeletal pain have not worked. Its main side effect is drowsiness and it should not be used in children or seniors. Prescribed for Opiate... View more

More about Methadone

More about Clonidine

More about Methocarbamol

Ratings & Reviews

Methadone has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 606 ratings on Drugs.com. 84% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 6% reported a negative effect.

Clonidine has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 774 ratings on Drugs.com. 61% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 21% reported a negative effect.

Methocarbamol has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 299 ratings on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 29% reported a negative effect.

View all 606 reviews

View all 774 reviews

View all 299 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

Withdrawal (7.4%)
Weight gain (3.1%)
Constipation (3.0%)
Pain (2.5%)
Tiredness (2.3%)
Sick (2.0%)
Sweating (2.0%)

View all Methadone side effects

Drowsiness (11.0%)
Dry mouth (9.4%)
Tiredness (7.9%)
Dizziness (7.1%)
Insomnia (5.6%)
Anxiety (4.7%)
Nausea (4.1%)

View all Clonidine side effects

Drowsiness (9.0%)
Insomnia (6.7%)
Headaches (4.3%)
Nausea (4.3%)
Dizziness (4.0%)
Muscle spasms (3.7%)
Pain (2.3%)

View all Methocarbamol side effects

Drug Class

Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting

Skeletal muscle relaxants

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance

Quantity	100 each
Strength	10 mg
Per unit^*	$0.17
Cost^*	$16.88

View all Methadone prices

Quantity	8 tablet
Strength	0.1 mg
Per unit^*	$1.27
Cost^*	$10.15

View all Clonidine prices

Quantity	50 each
Strength	500 mg
Per unit^*	$0.37
Cost^*	$18.63

View all Methocarbamol prices

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Dosage Forms

Compounding powder
Injectable solution
Oral concentrate
Oral solution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, dispersible

Injectable solution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release
Transdermal film, extended release

Injectable solution
Oral tablet

Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

30 hours

15 hours

2 hours

CSA Schedule ¹ View glossary of CSA terms

High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 835 drugs are known to interact with Methadone:

420 major drug interactions (1405 brand and generic names)
406 moderate drug interactions (1715 brand and generic names)
9 minor drug interactions (49 brand and generic names)

A total of 375 drugs are known to interact with Clonidine:

42 major drug interactions (120 brand and generic names)
325 moderate drug interactions (1513 brand and generic names)
8 minor drug interactions (42 brand and generic names)

A total of 346 drugs are known to interact with Methocarbamol:

28 major drug interactions (148 brand and generic names)
318 moderate drug interactions (1285 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with... View more

CloNIDine and alcohol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may... View more

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of methocarbamol such as dizziness... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

August 13, 1947

September 03, 1974

July 16, 1957

WADA Class View classifications

S7 - Narcotics

S6 - Stimulants

N/A

More Information

Patient Resources

Methadone uses

Professional Resources

¹ The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Methadone Alternatives Compared

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