| German scientists synthesized methadone during World War II because of a shortage of morphine. Although chemically unlike morphine or heroin, methadone produces many of the same effects. It was introduced into the United States in 1947 as an analgesic (Dolophine®). Today, methadone is primarily used for the treatment of narcotic addiction, although a growing number of prescriptions are being written for chronic pain management. It is available in oral solutions, tablets, and injectable Schedule II formulations. Methadone's effects can last up to 24 hours, thereby permitting once-a-day oral administration in heroin detoxification and maintenance programs. High-dose methadone can block the effects of heroin, thereby discouraging the continued use of heroin by addicts in treatment. Chronic administration of methadone results in the development of tolerance and dependence. The withdrawal syndrome develops more slowly and is less severe, but more prolonged than that associated with heroin withdrawal. Ironically, methadone used to control narcotic addiction is encountered on the illicit market. Recent increases in the use of methadone for pain management have been associated with increasing numbers of overdose deaths. Closely related to methadone, the synthetic compound levo alphacetylmethadol, or LAAM (ORLMM®), has an even longer duration of action (from 48 to 72 hours) than methadone, permitting a reduction in frequency of use. In 1994, it was approved as a Schedule II treatment drug for narcotic addiction. Both methadone and LAAM have high abuse potential. Their acceptability as narcotic treatment drugs is predicated upon their ability to substitute for heroin, the long duration of action, and their mode of oral administration. Recent data regarding cardiovascular toxicity of LAAM has limited the use of this drug as a first-line therapy for addiction treatment. This drug is a semi-synthetic narcotic derived from thebaine. Buprenorphine was initially marketed in the United States as an analgesic (Buprenex®). In 2002, two new products (Suboxone® and Subutex®) were approved for the treatment of narcotic addiction. Like methadone and LAAM, buprenorphine is potent (30 to 50 times the analgesic potency of morphine), has a long duration of action, and does not need to be injected. Unlike the other treatment drugs, buprenorphine produces far less respiratory depression and is thought to be safer in overdose. All buprenorphine products are currently in Schedule III of the CSA. |
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| Houston Criminal Lawyer Andy Nolen can protect your rights, ensure you receive fair treatment, and make a tremendous difference in your case and how it will affect you for the rest of your life. As an attorney, Andy Nolen's philosophy is grounded in the strong belief that his clients should be fully informed about every aspect of their case as it progresses. You need a good attorney who will prepare your case thoroughly and who will make a strong and reasonable presentation to the court. Being charged with any crime is a frightening experience. This is especially true for a person who has never had contact with the criminal justice system before. Suddenly, you find yourself thrust into a world you never imagined you would be a part of, and subjected to indignities you never thought you would experience. The stress of being the subject of an investigation or the trauma of being arrested and booked into a jail can truly be overwhelming. For some people, the experience is so traumatic that it even makes them question their most basic assumptions about what kind of person they are. Fortunately, being arrested or charged with a crime is not the end of the world. |
| Houston defense lawyer, Attorney Andy Nolen, represents people who have been accused of a state crime or Houston law, including in communities such as League City, Angleton, Pearland, Alvin, Clear Lake, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Baytown, Pasadena, Memorial, Spring Branch, River Oaks, West University, and Bellaire. Counties that Houston criminal attorney Andy Nolen serves include: Galveston County • Fort Bend County • Montgomery County • Brazoria County • Harris County. Cases handled include: Possession of Marijuana, Cocaine, Crystal Methamphetamine, Xanax, Prescription Drugs, Probation Violations, Theft, Shoplifting, Drunk Driving, Evading Arrest, and all other Felonies and Misdemeanors. |
| ANDY NOLEN HOUSTON CRIMINAL LAWYER OVER 17 YEARS CRIMINAL LAW EXPERIENCE LICENSED IN BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL COURT |
| Defense Attorney for Drug Possession Cases In most cases a permanent criminal record can be prevented. Your entire future may rest on whether or not a final permanent conviction can be avoided. Call Attorney Andy Nolen - He has over 17 years criminal defense law experience. 713-697-4373 |
| Andy Nolen, Defense Attorney for Drug Possession Cases In most cases a permanent criminal record can be prevented. Your entire future may rest on whether or not a final permanent conviction can be avoided. Call Attorney Andy Nolen - He has over 17 years criminal defense law experience. 713-697-4373 |
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