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Methadone


Methadone (Dollies, phenadone, "horse") is a synthetic narcotic drug first obtained in 1942 by the company Hoechst (Germany). It usually occurs as powders, sometimes as solutions and rarely as tablets; in some countries it is part of pharmaceutical preparations. It is commonly found mixed with various substances (dimedrol, novocaine, novocainamide). Its action is similar to morphine, acting as an analgesic but with a longer duration of effect (up to 24 hours). Use of methadone causes a state of euphoria accompanied by drowsiness, respiratory depression, incoherent speech, impaired concentration or memory and reduced ability to make judgments. It is more commonly used intravenously, sometimes orally. A single dose is 10 mg. Its use leads to physical dependence.

Source: "QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF SOME NARCOTIC DRUGS BY GAS AND LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY AND UV SPECTROSCOPY. METHODOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS"

(approved by the Permanent Committee on Drug Control, Protocol No. 7/96-2004 dated November 24, 2004)

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