Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid pain reliever that is used in drug detox treatment programs. This an opioid-based drug is used primarily to treat addiction to heroin, a potent opiate..
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Methadone is used as a substitute for heroin while working on addiction recovery. In some cases, although very rare, this treatment has been successful on its own. But in the vast majority, the person generates tolerance to methadone, which can end up making them dependent on this new substance.
Methadone was synthesized by German chemists Gustav Ehrhart and Max Bockmühl during World War II, when the United States cut off the supply of opium. It's difficult to fight a war without painkillers, so the Germans started working on it and synthesized a number of drugs still in use today, including Demerol and Darvon that are structurally very similar to methadone..
After the war, methadone was given the name "adolofina" or "dolofina", and although urban legend says that this term was coined by its creators as a tribute to Adolf Hitler, it actually comes from the German term Dolphium which derives from the term doloris (pain in Latin) and fīnis, (end in Latin), which means "end of pain".
Methadone, as we have already been advancing, is a drug used both to relieve pain and to help treat opiate dependence. Specifically, methadone works by "occupying" receptor sites in the brain affected by heroin and other opiates. The result is that it blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids, while relieving the anxiety and symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal..
Although highly debated, it appears that methadone can also cause euphoria when it binds to opiate receptors in the brain. However, the effects of methadone are less intense than other similar medications. Methadone's decreased addiction capacity has made addiction treatment programs with this drug popular since the 1960s.
Methadone slows down brain activity and therefore also body activity. It is a depressant of the central nervous system, so it can generate some of the following effects:
If you take methadone under strict medical prescription, you are less likely to suffer from serious side effects. The most serious adverse reactions to methadone that occur are the root of drug abuse. However, some side effects of taking methadone can be dangerous. You should stop taking methadone and contact a doctor or emergency services immediately if it appears:
Methadone can already be detected in the blood 30 minutes after ingestion, although it does not reach its highest concentration until after approximately 4 hours..
The effects of methadone can last between 24-36 hours, depending on a person's tolerance to opioids. For pain management, it should be taken throughout the day as directed by the doctor. When used to help treat opioid withdrawal syndromes, a daily dose is sufficient.
Because it can take a while to notice the effects of the medication, it is important not to assume that it is "not working" and to take more than prescribed, as it can lead to an overdose and even death..
Although methadone is generally used in short-term detox protocols, methadone has been shown to have better results when used as a long-term maintenance medication for opiate addiction..
Withdrawal from methadone can be difficult, as it also causes addiction. But the drug works very well to keep releasing drug cravings as you rebuild the infrastructure of a broken life..
Over time, most people feel stronger and ready to slowly cut back on methadone, although some people continue to use the drug for many years, or even for life. Methadone maintenance treatment is not a "quick fix", but offers the opportunity to heal the scars of previous addiction and build a sober life..
No, methadone is not suitable for everyone. When taken as prescribed, methadone is generally safe and effective. However, all medications have risks. The physical effects of methadone must be managed in order to get the maximum benefits from the medication. And because methadone is habit-forming, it's not always the best option for someone who wants to quit drugs altogether. Methadone can also have serious side effects in some individuals, including allergic reactions..
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