Package of methadone, as a medicine is in syrup and tablets, as well as liquids in capsules. The concentration of the pure substance in medicine 1mg/1ml, 12mg/5ml syrup. Each tablet contains 5 mg of methadone. In the methadone ampoules available as 1%, 3.5% and 5% solution.

The usual therapeutic oral dose of 5 - 10 mg tablets or solution. Minimum single lethal dose - 40 mg in people with the development of tolerance to the drug, it increased to 200 mg or more.

The action of methadone:

In therapeutic doses of methadone has analgesic and sedative effect. It acts on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and smooth muscle. The first effects begin to be felt after 20-30 minutes after oral administration and comparable to the euphoria and the duration of the action of other drugs in opioid group. side effects of methadone are expressed in dizziness, nausea and vomiting, as well as sweating. Tolerance to methadone develops slowly.

Harm and dependence on methadone.

Methadone, like heroin, causes long-term use strong dependence. However, compared with heroin methadone is simpler to produce, costs less and does not require the injection route of administration. Overdose is manifested in respiratory depression, possible pulmonary edema and acute renal failure. Death of many western stars associated with consumption of methadone. Among them - the leader of the rock group Nirvana, Kurt Cobain and a popular Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith.

Diagnosis and treatment.

External signs of methadone are similar to symptoms of use of other opiates. Typically, a sharp contraction of the pupils, decreased heart rate and insensitivity to physical pain. At the stage of withdrawal symptoms runny nose, chills, nausea, abdominal pain. There are also vomiting, diarrhea and twitching of muscles.

Symptoms of chronic methadone dependence: respiratory depression, hyperglycemia, high temperature and pressure, constipation, cramping, bile ducts and stuff.

Today in some countries (like Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Sweden, etc.), the medication used to treat patients with heroin addiction, as a substitute means of a gradual reduction in dosage. Treatment usually lasts for a long time with the compulsory use of psychotherapy. However, many neurologists reject replacement therapy because they believe the benefits of replacing one drug by another dubious. In addition, weak monitoring of distribution and storage of the drug often leads to its translation in an illegal turn.

Legislation.


In the U.S., methadone is listed in Schedule II. This means that the sale, purchase, or possession without a prescription is prohibited. Medical institutions, as pain or to treat drug addiction, write methadone. If you are using methadone substitution therapy, the patient is obliged to use the drug in the presence of a physician.