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Methadone
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.
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