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Methadone
About Methadone
A long acting synthetic opioid used for two purposes: treating opioid addiction and managing chronic pain. Methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings in opioid dependent patients. It is dispensed through specialized clinics under strict regulation. Methadone was developed in Germany in 1937 as a synthetic substitute for morphine. It has a long half life, which permits infrequent dosing but also makes it prone to accumulation. It is on the WHO essential medicines list for opioid dependence treatment.
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