Levomethadyl - lee-voe-METH-a-dil belongs to the group of medication known as narcotic analgesics - nar-KOT-ik an-al-GEE-zicks . It is using as a substitute for illegal narcotics in addiction treat programs. This drug is not a cure for addiction. It is using as part of an overall program that may include counseling, attending support group meetings and other treat recommended by your family doctor.
Levomethadyl helps prevent the withdrawal symptoms that may occur when an addict stops using other narcotics. In detoxification programs, the amount of levomethadyl using is slowly decreased until an addict becomes drug-free. In maintenance programs, it is using on a long-term basis to help narcotic addicts stay away from street drugs. With long-term use, levomethadyl may decrease an addict's craving for other narcotics.
Another narcotic, methadone, is also using in detoxification and maintenance programs. Methadone begins to work faster than levomethadyl does when treat is started, but it has to be taken every day. Levomethadyl starts to work slowly, but it does not have to be taken every day. Therefore, some people may start treat with methadone and then change over to levomethadyl after few weeks. Other people may receive only one drug or the other during the entire time of treat. Your family doctor and your counselor at the clinic will decide on the best treat plan for you.
In the USA, levomethadyl is available only in government-approved treat clinics, in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
Other commonly using names are LAAM , LAM , levacetylmethadol , levo-alpha-acetylmethadol , levomethadyl acetate and MK790 .
† Not commercially available in Canada.