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German
scientists synthesized methadone during World
War II because of a shortage of morphine. Although
chemically unlike morphine or heroin, methadone
produces many of the same effects. Introduced
into the United States in 1947 as an analgesic
(Dolophinel), it is primarily used today for the
treatment of narcotic addiction. It is available
in oral solutions, tablets, and injectable Schedule
II formulations, and is almost as effective when
administered orally as it is by injection. Methadone's
effects can last up to 24 hours, thereby permitting
once-a-day oral administration in heroin detoxification
and maintenance programs. High-dose methadone
can block the effects of heroin, thereby discouraging
the continued use of heroin by addicts under treatment
with methadone. Chronic administration of methadone
results in the development of tolerance and dependence.
The withdrawal syndrome develops more slowly and
is less severe but more prolonged than that associated
with heroin withdrawal. Ironically, methadone
used to control narcotic addiction is frequently
encountered on the illicit market and has been
associated with a number of overdose deaths.
Source: DEA
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An Eastern Kentucky drug investigator
says methadone is replacing OxyContin as the region's
most abused prescription drug. Since January 2003,
a total of 345 Kentuckians have died from overdoses
related to the synthetic narcotic, according to
a survey by The Courier-Journal.
Source: Associated
Press, May 10, 2004 |
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