Classification: Analgesic, Opioid

Background: Methadone was first synthesized as a morphine substitute in Germany during World War II and was made clinically available in the United States in 1947. Methadone is as potent as morphine as an analgesic; however, unlike morphine, methadone produces a marked sedative effect with repeated administration. This is an important aspect when prescribing dosages for the treatment of opioid addiction, as the individual dose will vary with each patient, depending on the patient’s dependence level. Its intended uses are the management of moderate to severe pain, detoxification and maintenance treatment of opioid addiction. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Prescribed as: Dolophine, Methadose, Methadone Diskets, Methadone Intensol. 

Street Names: Fizzies, Amadones, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Dollies, Done, Jungle Juice, Metho

Appearance: White round or oblong tablets, greenish- to-yellow syrup

Mode(s) of Use: Tablet, disket and liquid concentrate forms for oral consumption and a solution for parenteral injection

Physiological Effects: Headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight gain, stomach pain, flushing, sweating, difficulty urinating, vision problems, swelling and missed menstrual periods

Psychological Effects: Drowsiness, weakness, loss of appetite, dry mouth, mood changes, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and decreased sexual desire or ability

Toxicity: Sedations, seizures, itches, hives, rash, dizziness, nausea, diaphoresis, anorexia, visual disturbances, bradycardia, palpitations, respiratory depression, stupor, muscle flaccidity, papillary constriction, hypotension and coma and circulatory collapse

Metabolism: The major urinary excretion products of methadone are methadone, EDDP and EMDP. Although methadone is used as a maintenance drug for opioid addiction, it will NOT test positive as an opiate.

Detection Time in Urine: 1–14 days

Detection Time in Oral Fluid: 1–2 days