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.
Houston Texas Drug Defense Lawyer Andy Nolen has over 15 years experience defending drug charges and is considered one of the best defense attorneys in Houston with over 400 cases dismissed.
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Andy Nolen, Houston Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
HUNDREDS OF CASES DISMISSED
HOUSTON DRUG CASE DEFENSE LAWYER
OVER 15 YEARS CRIMINAL LAW EXPERIENCE
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One of the most experienced Houston defense  lawyers, Attorney Andy Nolen,  represents people who have been accused of a state crime or Houston  
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