これは合成オピオイドで、鎮痛薬としても使用されますが、
より頻繁に目にするのはモルヒネやヘロインなどの中毒・依存症からの離脱目的の使用です。
この2月からBC College of Pharmacistで定められていたメサドンの使用濃度が10倍になりました。
悪用を防ぐ為です。
カナダで薬剤師を目指すにあたって、この薬を知らないでは済みませんから、
まずは英語で読んでみましょう。
What is methadone?
Methadone belongs to the opioid family of drugs. Since the 1960s, methadone has been used to help people who are dependent on or addicted to other drugs from the same family, including synthetic opioids like codeine and natural opioids (called opiates) like morphine and heroin.
How does it work?
Methadone can be used to replace the opioid drug that a person is dependent on. It prevents withdrawal symptoms and cuts down on the person’s drug cravings. It does not alter someone’s ability to work, go to school or care for their family.
How long do people stay on methadone?
People stay on methadone as long as they need to. Some health care providers promote short-term methadone detoxification, where the dependent person is stabilized on methadone and then tapers off using it over the next one to six months. Others may stay on it for up to twenty years. Whether short-term or long-term, research has shown that methadone maintenance is the most effective treatment for opioid dependence.
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