2. When can the first take-home dose of methadone or buprenorphine be prescribed?

According to the Collège des médecins du Québec guidelines, the first take-home dose can be prescribed three months after starting methadone treatment or two months after starting buprenorphine treatment (this medication is safer than methadone).

This length of time is given by way of indication only. It is a window that allows the physician or health care team to build a relationship of trust with the user and collect the necessary information.