METHADONE

By: Jamie Blondina

What is it?!Methadone:• Developed in 1937 in Germany by

Scientists who were looking to solve Germany’s opium shortage.

• It was rejected as the alternative to morphine due to the adverse effects it had on German soldiers. ---- effects on the soldiers included decreases willingness to engage in combat, lethargy, and/ or apathy.

Methadone

Street Names: Dollies, Junk, Jungle Juice, Fizzies, and/or Chocolate Chip

Cookies

Brand Names: Diskets, Dolophine, and/or Methadose

Chemical Name: (RS)-6-(Dimethylamino)-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-

one

Action! Methadone: • Works to treat pain by changing the

way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

• It also works as a substitute for opiate drugs of abuse by producing similar effects and preventing withdrawal symptoms in people who have stopped using this drug.

Schedule Rating of Methadone

Schedule II drug There is high potential for abuse, but not as much as a schedule I drug. This drug is considered dangerous and could lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.

Physiological Effects • Dryness in the eyes, nose, and mouth due

to the mucous membranes

• Constipation

• Constriction of a person’s pupils

• Women: changes in menstrual cycle

• Changes in sexual desires (decreases testosterone levels in both men and women)

Psychological Effects

Methadone: • Works on part of the brain and spinal cord

to block the “high” caused by using opiates such as heroin.

• It also helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by opiate use.

Possible Side Effects • Drowsiness • Nausea/Vomiting• Stomach Pain • Sweating • Flushing • Mood Changes • Vision Problems

More Serious Side Effects include:

• Seizures • Hives • Rash • Itching

• Difficulty sleeping • Dry mouth • Weight Gain • Swelling of hands, arms,

feet and legs

Bibliography • http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/methadone

/methadone.pdf

• http://www.rxlist.com/methadone-hydrochloride-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm

• http://www.methadoneabusehelp.com/methadone-street-names

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682134.html

• http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ds.shtml

• http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcohol-abuse/methadone