(Methadone Mixture, linctus, meth, Physeptone)
Methadone Hydrochloride is an opioid (a synthetic opiate) that was originally synthesised by the German pharmaceutical company Axis during the second world war.
It was first marketed as 'Dolophine' and was used as an analgesic (a painkiller) for the treatment of severe pain. It is still occasionally used for pain relief, although it is more widely used now as a substitute drug for people addicted to other opiates (primarily heroin).
Methadone is usually available as a liquid - linctus or methadone mixture - which should be swallowed. Tablets and injectable ampoules are sometimes prescribed, and like many other medicines some of these prescribed drugs are diverted and become available illegally.
When methadone is prescribed to people addicted to other opiates (primarily heroin), the guidelines for the dosage are that enough should be given to prevent physical withdrawal symptoms - when you are prescribed methadone it is not supposed to give you a buzz, or get you high. If you take methadone orally (mixture or linctus), it will take around thirty minutes before you feel the effects. If you are using injectable methadone (Physeptone) then the drug takes effect much more rapidly.
Physical Changes :
As an opiate, regular use of methadone causes physical dependency - if you've been using it regularly (prescribed or not) once you stop you will experience a withdrawal. The physical changes due to the drug are similar to other opiates (like heroin); suppressed cough reflex, contracted pupils, drowsiness and constipation. Some methadone users feel sick when they first use the drug. If you are a woman using methadone you may not have regular periods - but you are still able to conceive. Methadone is a long-acting opioid; it has an effect for up to 36 hours (if you are using methadone you will not withdraw for this period) and can remain in your body for several days.
Keeping Safe :
Methadone is a very powerful drug, and individual doses vary for each person. If you are using methadone that you have bought illegally be aware that you could overdose on an amount that would seem 'normal' to somebody else - especially if you are not using opiates regularly, and therefore have a low tolerance (it doesn't take very much to affect you). If you are using methadone regularly - prescribed or not - taking a higher dose than normal or using other depressant drugs (like alcohol, heroin, tranquillisers or sleeping tablets) on top could cause you to overdose.
If you do lose consciousness and vomit you may well choke. If you become drowsy you should not try to drive or operate machinery - you could easily have an accident. Methadone is very dangerous for children. You should store methadone where children are not able to get to it - in a high cupboard, not by your bed or in the fridge. If a child does swallow methadone they should be taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at your local hospital immediately - let the doctors know what has been taken, and if possible at what time and what quantity.
Methadone is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a schedule 2 drug, that is a substance considered to have medical therapeutic use, and legal to possess only if prescribed by a doctor, and then only if taken in accordance with the doctor's instructions. Methadone is a Class A drug.
The Methadone Alliance is the UK's leading patient led activist/advocacy group fighting for better treatment and rights for all opiate dependant persons in the UK.
Addiction Treatment Watchdog
The National Alliance of Methadone Advocates
Contrary to popular belief, Dolophine was not named after Adolph Hitler. Methadone was first synthesized by German pharmacologists before WWII began, its properties were not discovered until after the war. 'Dolophine' (the original trade name for methadone hydrochloride), was not derived from the name 'Adolph', but from the Latin 'dolor' (pain) and 'fin' (end)
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