A Recreational Drug for All Seasons

The subject of this month’s Name that Drug is a curious, strange substance to be sure. This drug entered the American pharmaceutical market in 1958 and had been in various stages of chemical adjustment since the mid-50’s. The chemistry blueprint for this drug was remarkably similar to the molecular format established for morphine. In fact, morphologically speaking, this month’s drug has a name that has obvious connections to morphine itself; however, this drug is NOT a narcotic. The drug is currently sold in compounds that are available in prescription and in over-the-counter formulas. Until a few years ago, the drug had toiled along as a medicinal workhorse in the treatment of tens of millions of needy patients, an overlooked and overworked drug that few people appreciated.

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