methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn 

variants or less commonly methadon

ˈme-thə-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

Examples of methadone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In one way, Rachel was lucky: only about one-fifth of people nationwide who have an opioid-use disorder receive either buprenorphine or methadone, both of which stave off withdrawal from more potent opioids and allow a person to function. —Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 14 Apr. 2024

There were also some declines seen in certain drugs, with lower rates reported for heroin, natural and semisynthetic opioids, and methadone. —CBS News, 22 Mar. 2024

Research shows that opioid addiction medication — including drugs like methadone — can greatly reduce the risk of overdose deaths, and increase a person’s retention in treatment. —Lauren Peace, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024

Smith’s life has not always revolved around her methadone clinic. —Lev Facher, STAT, 26 Mar. 2024

When people are receiving methadone at the dose that is appropriate for them, there are no euphoric effects, Collier said. —Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024

Kapoor, a Los Angeles physician, was alleged to have prescribed Smith with methadone and Vicodin, among other drugs. —Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2024

To many methadone clinics, the Biden administration’s recent refresh of the rules governing opioid treatment programs represents an unprecedented opportunity to offer care that is more compassionate and responsive to patients’ needs. —Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Mar. 2024

Starz Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda Cast: Haruka Ayase, Masami Nagasawa, Kaho, Suzu Hirose 11 of 16 ParaNorman (2012) ParaNorman functions like methadone for those whose preferred drug is the twee oeuvre of Tim Burton. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₇NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

called also amidone