Ion-associate complexes of furaltadone, methadone and trazodone hydrochlorides with [Cd(SCN)(4)](2-) and [Zn(SCN)(4)](2-) were precipitated and the excess unreacted cadmium or zinc complex was determined. A new method using atomic emission and atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of the above drugs in pure solutions and in pharmaceutical preparations is given. The drugs can be determined by the affort method in the ranges 7.2-72.16, 6.9-69.18 and 8.1-81.6 microg/ml solutions of the three drugs, respectively.