METHADON Meaning and
Definition
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Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication primarily used for the management of opioid dependence and as an analgesic (pain reliever). It is a long-acting opioid agonist, which means it acts on the same receptors in the brain as other opioids like heroin or morphine but has a longer duration of action.
In the context of opioid dependence, methadone is commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program called opioid substitution therapy or medication-assisted treatment. It helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid addiction and allows individuals to stabilize their lives and rebuild their routines while minimizing the risk of illicit opioid use.
Methadone is typically administered orally in the form of a syrup or tablet, and its effects last for about 24-36 hours. By binding to opioid receptors in the brain, it produces similar effects to other opioids, including pain relief, sedation, and a sense of well-being. However, due to its long duration of action and slower onset, it can help individuals maintain a more stable opioid level in their body and avoid the "highs" and "lows" associated with shorter-acting opioids.
It is important to note that methadone itself has potential for dependence and can be abused if not used as prescribed. Therefore, it is usually dispensed through specialized clinics or healthcare providers to ensure its safe and monitored use. Additionally, methadone may have side effects such as constipation, drowsiness, or respiratory depression, which should be carefully considered and managed by medical professionals.
Common Misspellings for METHADON
- nethadon
- kethadon
- jethadon
- mwthadon
- msthadon
- mdthadon
- mrthadon
- m4thadon
- m3thadon
- merhadon
- mefhadon
- meghadon
- meyhadon
- me6hadon
- me5hadon
- metgadon
- metbadon
- metnadon
- methado
- methidon
Etymology of METHADON
The word "methadone" is derived from the German term "Methadon", which was coined by German scientists during their research in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The term was initially a trade name assigned to a synthetic opioid analgesic developed by German pharmaceutical company I.G. Farbenindustrie. It combines the roots "meth-" (from methyl), referring to the chemical structure, and "-adon", which was an ending used for the trade names of analgesics at the time. The drug gained further recognition for its potential in treating opioid addiction, hence its widespread use as an opioid replacement therapy.
Similar spelling words for METHADON
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