Discover how methadone is reshaping modern perioperative analgesia. This course explores methadone’s unique pharmacology—including potent μ-agonism, NMDA receptor antagonism, and monoamine reuptake inhibition—that delivers long-lasting, stable analgesia from a single intraoperative dose. Learn why its extended half-life reduces fluctuations in pain control, lowers total opioid requirements, and may even help prevent chronic postoperative pain. With a strong safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with multimodal and ERAS strategies, methadone offers anesthesia professionals a powerful tool for elevating postoperative pain management and improving patient outcomes.