1. Methadone By: Heidi Smith

2. Drug Name Information  Street Names  Brand Name  Chemical Name Frizzies Dollies Dolophine Methadone Hydrochloride

3. Action of the Drug  Attaches to opioid receptors in the brain  Attaches to spinal column  Attaches to peripheral tissues and organs  All to help limit pain and limit anxiety

4. Medical Use  Methadone is used as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction detoxification.  Methadone is available in:  Tablets  oral solution (liquid)  an injection

5. History Of Methadone  synthesized during World War II  Discovered in Germany in the late 1930’s  Approved in 1947 in the United States used primarily as a treatment for narcotic addictions, primarily heroin  Methadone was soon found to have a much longer effect than morphine drugs, it's effects lasting up to 24 hours.

6. Schedule Rating Schedule Rating  Schedule II  high potential for abuse  Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

7. Physiological Effects  Dry Mouth  Constipation  Respiratory depression  Muscle Flaccidity  Decreased heart rate

8. Psychological Effects Psychological Effects  Dizziness  Mood Swings  Depressed reflexes  Altered sensory perception

9. Possible Side Effects  Loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting  Poor blood circulation  Back and joint aches  Skin rashes  Aching muscles and joints  Irregular periods

10. Bibliography  http://pain-topics.org/pdf/Methadone-Drug_Intx_2006.pdf http://pain-topics.org/pdf/Methadone-Drug_Intx_2006.pdf  http://www.drug-effects.com/methadone-effects.htm http://www.drug-effects.com/methadone-effects.htm  http://www.ringsurf.com/online/1184-methadone.html http://www.ringsurf.com/online/1184-methadone.html http://www.ringsurf.com/online/1184-methadone.html  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/job185dru gs/methadone.htm http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/job185dru gs/methadone.htm http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/job185dru gs/methadone.htm  http://pain-topics.org/pdf/Methadone-Drug_Intx_2006.pdf http://pain-topics.org/pdf/Methadone-Drug_Intx_2006.pdf