Methadone has an analgesic potency almost equivalent to that of morphine. In addition, it also exerts sedative, hypnotic and antitussive effects. Unlike morphine, it does not cause euphoria and the onset of toxicomania is rare. Furthermore, it affects the peristalsis of the intestine less than morphine and the respiratory depression is much less pronounced than following morphine administration. Methadone also exerts a spasmolytic action on smooth and skeletal musculature.