Pubdate: Sun, 04 Jun 2006
Source: Charleston Gazette (WV)
Copyright: 2006 Charleston Gazette
Contact:  http://www.wvgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/77
Note: Does not print out of town letters.
Author: Scott Finn and Tara Tuckwiller
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

Series: The Killer Cure (3 Of 11)

WHAT IS METHADONE?

What it is: Methadone is a synthetic opiate developed by the Germans 
during World War II as a substitute for morphine.

What it isn't: Methadone often is confused with "meth," or 
methamphetamine, an illegal stimulant commonly cooked in clandestine 
labs. Methadone is a completely different -- and legal -- drug.

Uses: Until recently, methadone was given mostly to heroin addicts to 
suppress their cravings. Now, doctors are increasingly prescribing it 
as a painkiller.

Dangers: Methadone acts differently from other painkillers. It can 
stay in the body for an unusually long time, making it possible for 
therapeutic doses to build up to a toxic level.

Methadone may take a while to make its effects felt. Patients may 
take an extra dose, thinking the first one isn't working, and an 
overdose can result.

An overdose of methadone may cause a patient to fall into a deep 
sleep and eventually stop breathing. Methadone is more dangerous when 
taken with certain other drugs, such as Valium and Xanax.

Reactions to methadone vary dramatically. A dose that is therapeutic 
for one person might kill someone else.