Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Addiction and Abuse of Prescription Drugs--The Facts
Research today shows that 20% of the American population have, at one point in their lifetime, used prescription drugs for non medical reasons. This abuse has been reported in Americans as young as twelve years of age (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Got your attention yet? How many parents are happy to hear that statistic? How about this one? In a survey of 8th, 10th and 12th graders many reported using drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin without a prescription.
These facts are not only alarming to parents but also to members/future members of the medical community. Members of the medical community are aware that the misuse, overuse and non medical use of prescription drugs is dangerous and can ultimately cause: severe brain complications, seizures, high body temperature, cardiovascular complications, respiratory complications, confusion, motor impairment, hallucinations, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, loss of consciousness and death (U.S Department of Health and Human Services). But it is not simply up to the members of the medical community, because by the time they see a patient who has abused a prescription drug or by the time an addict needs medical attention, it is often too late and permanent damage is already present. This is why teachers, parents, friends, members of the community, the U.S. Government, police and every citizen should know about the dangers of these medications.
There are three forms of prescription drugs that are commonly abused: opioids, stimulants and central nervous system depressants. These all have a need in society, but also can be very harmful, especially to those who abuse them.
This brings us to our next problem: Prescription drugs can cause serious complications, however, many ill patients in the nation need medications such as these being misused. The problem of prescription medication abuse is not going to be a simple one for this country to control because the benefits and the risks of prescription drugs are closely related. Without the drugs there could be no benefits, but with the drugs there are many risks. Every day there are more and more prescriptions written which makes a wider availability and therefore wider abuse. There is not a perfect answer or solution to this growing problem, but as the statistics show, there is a dire need for change due to the growing addiction and abuse problems.
National Institute on Drug Abuse:
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/prescription.html
U.S Department of Health and Human Services:
http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/2008/03/t20080312a.html
These facts are not only alarming to parents but also to members/future members of the medical community. Members of the medical community are aware that the misuse, overuse and non medical use of prescription drugs is dangerous and can ultimately cause: severe brain complications, seizures, high body temperature, cardiovascular complications, respiratory complications, confusion, motor impairment, hallucinations, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, loss of consciousness and death (U.S Department of Health and Human Services). But it is not simply up to the members of the medical community, because by the time they see a patient who has abused a prescription drug or by the time an addict needs medical attention, it is often too late and permanent damage is already present. This is why teachers, parents, friends, members of the community, the U.S. Government, police and every citizen should know about the dangers of these medications.
There are three forms of prescription drugs that are commonly abused: opioids, stimulants and central nervous system depressants. These all have a need in society, but also can be very harmful, especially to those who abuse them.
This brings us to our next problem: Prescription drugs can cause serious complications, however, many ill patients in the nation need medications such as these being misused. The problem of prescription medication abuse is not going to be a simple one for this country to control because the benefits and the risks of prescription drugs are closely related. Without the drugs there could be no benefits, but with the drugs there are many risks. Every day there are more and more prescriptions written which makes a wider availability and therefore wider abuse. There is not a perfect answer or solution to this growing problem, but as the statistics show, there is a dire need for change due to the growing addiction and abuse problems.
National Institute on Drug Abuse:
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/prescription.html
U.S Department of Health and Human Services:
http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/2008/03/t20080312a.html
Pharm parties: popular trend or deadly night
These videos show the importance of prescription medication education for the community, parents, friends, teen and even the healthcare community. These vidoes varify how REAL and serious this "trend" is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XIdSvv6eEA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XIdSvv6eEA
Sunday, October 19, 2008
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE AND/OR ADDICTION IS A HUGE PROBLEM
Parents are concerned for the well-being and safety of their children, but how many are aware of the danger in their cabinets?
CHECK THIS OUT:
DID YOU KNOW THAT: The street drugs most commonly used by the young adults of the United States (Cocaine and Methamphetamine) are dropped significantly in 2007, but do not get too excited, yet! Abuse of prescription drugs has increased dramatically!! This brings up the question as to which is safer? Prescription drugs can be quite deceiving, giving the illusion that they are safe because they are prescribed and so readily available. This is not true; prescriptions are dangerous and should be thought of that way.
The amount of people taking at least one prescription has jumped from 67% in 2000 to 74% in 2006. These statistics does not take into account how many different prescriptions an individual might be on. This is not to say that all these people are going to become addicts but it shows how available the drugs are and how prevalent it is in society. The medicine cabinets at home are full of substances that can be abused.
For teens especially the drugs are usually not their own!! In a survey it revealed that 50% of those teens who used prescription medications found it easy to gain access through family and friends.
These drugs can also be easily obtained on the Internet without a prescription; all that is needed is a credit card. In a one week period the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), conducted a search on the Internet; they found 495 websites that were identified with selling controlled drugs. They stated that 62% of these sites acted as a conduit to find other sites.
There are serious problems and concerns with buying drugs off the Internet!! Not all drugs are from the United States, dosages might not be the same or the formulation of the drug itself. There is no guarantee that you know what you are getting.
WOULDN'T A RX ADDICTION BE OBVIOUS?
People get desperate!!
· Forge prescriptions
· Steal from clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, etc
· Break into private homes
· The Internet
· Friends or relatives who have valid prescriptions
· Getting prescriptions from several doctors
· Going to several different pharmacies
WHY GO WITH PRESCRIPTIONS?
· Easier to get
· Cheaper than street drugs (insurance)
· Less risk of detection (law enforcement)
· Not seen as dangerous or as serious as alternatives
· Profitable business
· Easier to hide (lack of awareness)
SO WHAT’S GOING ON?
Well addictions have been around forever but in the United States addiction to pain killers really came to light during the Civil War. Opioids surpassed drug overdose related deaths, compared to cocaine and heroin, in 1999-2002. In 2002 alone over 16,000 people died in the United States alone due to overdoses. From 1997—2003 spending on prescription drugs has tripled ($78.9 to $216.4 billion). In 2001, the National Community Pharmacists Association estimated that prescription drug abuse and misuse on U.S. health care costs was more than $100 billion. An estimated 2.2 million Americans, aged 12 or older, start using prescription pain relievers each year for non-medical uses.
WHY ARE THEY STARTING SO YOUNG?
They are drugs given for every type of “illness” or problem. The number of children on prescription drugs is alarming!! There has been a huge increase in the prescriptions given to hyperactivity in children and teenagers. In the past two years alone the national average of prescriptions released for hyperactivity has increased 53.8%. It seems that maybe children are being over diagnosed!?! Anyways with children being diagnosed so early it gives them direct access to drugs that could potentially harm them or they friends. Many kids receive both Ritalin- type stimulant drugs and Prozac-type antidepressants, all these combinations add to the potential danger!! This is not a cause and effect statement but an interesting observation.
WHO ALL IS INVOLVED?
Ø Obviously the consumer is and should be held responsible for the prescriptions they receive
Ø Although doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are not responsible the workers doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) should be proactive and explain the possible risks of overdose, drug interactions and be persistent to find out all valid and important information needed to address the situation properly
Ø Drug abuse is not just an individual problem, it gives dealers opportunities, causes health and safety factors for others involved (children, family)
Ø Increased emergency visits
Ø Health insurance
Ø THE LIST COULD GO ON
THIS IS AN ONGOING EPIDEMIC!!!
IT ONLY SEEMS RARE BECAUSE IT IS NOT ALWAYS IN THE NEWS!! WHEN HEATH LEDGER DIED “RESULT IN FROM THE ABUSE OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS,” IT WAS PLASTERED EVERYWHERE AND PEOPLE BEGAN TO WONDER. HE WAS WEALTHY, GOOD-LOOKING, FAMOUS AND YOUNG; AND IT ALL HAPPENED SO SUDDENLY!! BASED ON STATISTICS CHILDREN ARE ADDICTED TO PAIN MEDS!! ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, IN 2007, AT LEAST 20,000 UNINTENTIONAL DRUG POISONINGS OCCUR ANNUALLY. KASEY THOMPSON, DIRECTOR FOR PATIENT SAFETY AT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEALTH SYSTEM PHARMACISTS SAYS, “MEDICATIONS THAT ARE INTENDED TO HELP CAN CAUSE GREAT HARM WHEN USED INAPPROPRIATELY… ACCIDENTS LIKE THIS ARE ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE.” HEATH LEDGER’S DEATH WAS A TRAGEDY BUT HE IS NOT ALONE!! PEOPLE NEED TO BECOME MORE AWARE!!
Parents are concerned for the well-being and safety of their children, but how many are aware of the danger in their cabinets?
CHECK THIS OUT:
DID YOU KNOW THAT: The street drugs most commonly used by the young adults of the United States (Cocaine and Methamphetamine) are dropped significantly in 2007, but do not get too excited, yet! Abuse of prescription drugs has increased dramatically!! This brings up the question as to which is safer? Prescription drugs can be quite deceiving, giving the illusion that they are safe because they are prescribed and so readily available. This is not true; prescriptions are dangerous and should be thought of that way.
The amount of people taking at least one prescription has jumped from 67% in 2000 to 74% in 2006. These statistics does not take into account how many different prescriptions an individual might be on. This is not to say that all these people are going to become addicts but it shows how available the drugs are and how prevalent it is in society. The medicine cabinets at home are full of substances that can be abused.
For teens especially the drugs are usually not their own!! In a survey it revealed that 50% of those teens who used prescription medications found it easy to gain access through family and friends.
These drugs can also be easily obtained on the Internet without a prescription; all that is needed is a credit card. In a one week period the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), conducted a search on the Internet; they found 495 websites that were identified with selling controlled drugs. They stated that 62% of these sites acted as a conduit to find other sites.
There are serious problems and concerns with buying drugs off the Internet!! Not all drugs are from the United States, dosages might not be the same or the formulation of the drug itself. There is no guarantee that you know what you are getting.
WOULDN'T A RX ADDICTION BE OBVIOUS?
People get desperate!!
· Forge prescriptions
· Steal from clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, etc
· Break into private homes
· The Internet
· Friends or relatives who have valid prescriptions
· Getting prescriptions from several doctors
· Going to several different pharmacies
WHY GO WITH PRESCRIPTIONS?
· Easier to get
· Cheaper than street drugs (insurance)
· Less risk of detection (law enforcement)
· Not seen as dangerous or as serious as alternatives
· Profitable business
· Easier to hide (lack of awareness)
SO WHAT’S GOING ON?
Well addictions have been around forever but in the United States addiction to pain killers really came to light during the Civil War. Opioids surpassed drug overdose related deaths, compared to cocaine and heroin, in 1999-2002. In 2002 alone over 16,000 people died in the United States alone due to overdoses. From 1997—2003 spending on prescription drugs has tripled ($78.9 to $216.4 billion). In 2001, the National Community Pharmacists Association estimated that prescription drug abuse and misuse on U.S. health care costs was more than $100 billion. An estimated 2.2 million Americans, aged 12 or older, start using prescription pain relievers each year for non-medical uses.
WHY ARE THEY STARTING SO YOUNG?
They are drugs given for every type of “illness” or problem. The number of children on prescription drugs is alarming!! There has been a huge increase in the prescriptions given to hyperactivity in children and teenagers. In the past two years alone the national average of prescriptions released for hyperactivity has increased 53.8%. It seems that maybe children are being over diagnosed!?! Anyways with children being diagnosed so early it gives them direct access to drugs that could potentially harm them or they friends. Many kids receive both Ritalin- type stimulant drugs and Prozac-type antidepressants, all these combinations add to the potential danger!! This is not a cause and effect statement but an interesting observation.
WHO ALL IS INVOLVED?
Ø Obviously the consumer is and should be held responsible for the prescriptions they receive
Ø Although doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are not responsible the workers doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) should be proactive and explain the possible risks of overdose, drug interactions and be persistent to find out all valid and important information needed to address the situation properly
Ø Drug abuse is not just an individual problem, it gives dealers opportunities, causes health and safety factors for others involved (children, family)
Ø Increased emergency visits
Ø Health insurance
Ø THE LIST COULD GO ON
THIS IS AN ONGOING EPIDEMIC!!!
IT ONLY SEEMS RARE BECAUSE IT IS NOT ALWAYS IN THE NEWS!! WHEN HEATH LEDGER DIED “RESULT IN FROM THE ABUSE OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS,” IT WAS PLASTERED EVERYWHERE AND PEOPLE BEGAN TO WONDER. HE WAS WEALTHY, GOOD-LOOKING, FAMOUS AND YOUNG; AND IT ALL HAPPENED SO SUDDENLY!! BASED ON STATISTICS CHILDREN ARE ADDICTED TO PAIN MEDS!! ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, IN 2007, AT LEAST 20,000 UNINTENTIONAL DRUG POISONINGS OCCUR ANNUALLY. KASEY THOMPSON, DIRECTOR FOR PATIENT SAFETY AT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEALTH SYSTEM PHARMACISTS SAYS, “MEDICATIONS THAT ARE INTENDED TO HELP CAN CAUSE GREAT HARM WHEN USED INAPPROPRIATELY… ACCIDENTS LIKE THIS ARE ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE.” HEATH LEDGER’S DEATH WAS A TRAGEDY BUT HE IS NOT ALONE!! PEOPLE NEED TO BECOME MORE AWARE!!
http://www.ebasedprevention.org/oewn/prescription-drugs
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24443864-661,00.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070418163701.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_68925.html
http://.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/02/08
http://www.canews.com/archives/2000/Jul/jul0300d.htm
http://www.thepillsafe.com/epidemic.htmlhttp://features.us.reuters.com/wellbeing/news.S3020463phtml
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Prescription drug abuse: CNS Depressants
What are they prescribed for?
CNS depressants can be used as tranquilizer or sedatives for people who are having
trouble sleeping or have anxiety. These medications have therapeutic effects but some people take these medications to “get a high” and abuse these medications.
How do they work in the body?
CNS depressants work by making GABA neurotransmitters activity higher which helps
decrease brain activity. This gives the calming sensations, which allows people to feel sleepy or less anxious.
Common CNS Depressants:
Some common drugs under this category are Barbiturates like mephobarbital and Benzodiazepines like Valium.
Why are they abused, what effects do they have and how can the effects be reversed?
These drugs are abused because they give people the same kind of feeling that alcohol can give. The drugs make abusers feel calm and sedated.
Some short- term effects of abusing CNS drugs are feeling drowsy, slurred speech, or coordination imbalances.
Long- term effects can lead to a decrease in coordination and slow reflexes. Some people even begin to develop a tolerance. People who develop a tolerance can face even more danger, because when they attempt to withdraw from the drug, their brain’s activity can become overly active and result in seizures.
Barbiturates are mostly abused for their effect of making one feel intoxicated, similar to the way alcohol makes someone feel.
If a person overdoses, the treatment they will receive is a form of liquid charcoal, which will bind the drug in the stomach to it. Ultimately, if the overdose is not taken care of, the person may die of a extremely slow heart rate, and could stop breathing. Some may even fall into a coma. Prescribing lower doses of barbiturates is used to treat a person abusing barbiturates until the person is completely off of the drug.
Benzodiazepines are rarely used alone with drug abuse. Mostly they are combined with
alcohol or other opioids. Mostly use of benzodiazepines are seldom life threatening and are usually made life threatening when combined with other drugs. Most people take benzodiazepines to increase the effects of cocaine and opioids. Most people who abuse the drug are also people who are prescribed to be taking it.
Just like with Barbiturates the person must be weaned off of the drug so as to prevent seizures and brain hyperactivity
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/barbiturate_abuse/page3_em.htm
http://www.painfullyobvious.com/depressants_13.asp
http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/prescriptiondrugs.page
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/prescription3.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2121.html
CNS depressants can be used as tranquilizer or sedatives for people who are having
trouble sleeping or have anxiety. These medications have therapeutic effects but some people take these medications to “get a high” and abuse these medications.
How do they work in the body?
CNS depressants work by making GABA neurotransmitters activity higher which helps
decrease brain activity. This gives the calming sensations, which allows people to feel sleepy or less anxious.
Common CNS Depressants:
Some common drugs under this category are Barbiturates like mephobarbital and Benzodiazepines like Valium.
Why are they abused, what effects do they have and how can the effects be reversed?
These drugs are abused because they give people the same kind of feeling that alcohol can give. The drugs make abusers feel calm and sedated.
Some short- term effects of abusing CNS drugs are feeling drowsy, slurred speech, or coordination imbalances.
Long- term effects can lead to a decrease in coordination and slow reflexes. Some people even begin to develop a tolerance. People who develop a tolerance can face even more danger, because when they attempt to withdraw from the drug, their brain’s activity can become overly active and result in seizures.
Barbiturates are mostly abused for their effect of making one feel intoxicated, similar to the way alcohol makes someone feel.
If a person overdoses, the treatment they will receive is a form of liquid charcoal, which will bind the drug in the stomach to it. Ultimately, if the overdose is not taken care of, the person may die of a extremely slow heart rate, and could stop breathing. Some may even fall into a coma. Prescribing lower doses of barbiturates is used to treat a person abusing barbiturates until the person is completely off of the drug.
Benzodiazepines are rarely used alone with drug abuse. Mostly they are combined with
alcohol or other opioids. Mostly use of benzodiazepines are seldom life threatening and are usually made life threatening when combined with other drugs. Most people take benzodiazepines to increase the effects of cocaine and opioids. Most people who abuse the drug are also people who are prescribed to be taking it.
Just like with Barbiturates the person must be weaned off of the drug so as to prevent seizures and brain hyperactivity
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/barbiturate_abuse/page3_em.htm
http://www.painfullyobvious.com/depressants_13.asp
http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/prescriptiondrugs.page
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/prescription3.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2121.html
Prescription Drug Abuse: STIMULANTS
Prescription drug abuse by teens and young adults is a serious problem in the United States:
*1 in 5 teens have abused a prescription (Rx).
*1 in 5 report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers.
*1 in 10 has abused cough medication.
*1 in 5 teens have abused a prescription (Rx).
*1 in 5 report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers.
*1 in 10 has abused cough medication.
http://www.drugfree.org/drugissue/features/prescription_medicine_misuse
How do prescription drugs work?
How do prescription drugs work?
Prescription drug stimulants increase:
Alertness
Attention
Energy
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Blood glucose
Constrict blood vessel
Some uses for stimulants are:
o Asthma and other respiratory problems
o Obesity
o Neurological disorders
o A variety of other ailments
o Asthma and other respiratory problems
o Obesity
o Neurological disorders
o A variety of other ailments
However, when abuse and addiction of stimulants became popular in teens and young adults, doctors and hospitals began to prescribe stimulants for only a few health conditions such as:
Ø Narcolepsy
Ø ADHA (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Ø Depression that has not responded to other treatments
Ø Narcolepsy
Ø ADHA (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Ø Depression that has not responded to other treatments
The two treatments of addiction to prescription stimulants are:
Amphetamine( Dexedrine and Adderall)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta)
These two treatments work in the brain and are based on behavioral therapies.
Prescription drug stimulant symptoms are:
Fatigue
Depression
Disturbance of sleep patterns
Amphetamine( Dexedrine and Adderall)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta)
These two treatments work in the brain and are based on behavioral therapies.
Prescription drug stimulant symptoms are:
Fatigue
Depression
Disturbance of sleep patterns
These symptoms can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. Therefore, it is very dangerous for someone to take a high dose of a stimulant. Taking high doses can lead to:
· High body temperature
· An irregular heartbeat
· Cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures
Stimulants are not to be mix with other drugs, especially antidepressants or over-the-counter cold medicines containing decongestants. Mixing these drugs can lead to irregular heart rhythms. So teens, young adults or parents be very careful with prescription drugs stimulants.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/reseachreports/prescription/prescription7.html
http://www.fda.gov/features/2001/501_drug.html
http://www.prescription-drug-abuse.org
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Prescription drug abuse: Opioids
What are opioids?
Opioids are most commonly prescribed to relieve pain. Some commonly prescribed opioids include, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
How do they act on the body?
Opioids act on the brain and body by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When they attach they block the perception of pain.
Why are they abused?
Opioid drugs induce euphoria, a feeling of "high," which is why they are commonly abused. These feelings are intensified when the drug is taken in different ways than recommended. For example OxyContin is a time-released drug which is often crushed by the abuser to feel more effect. Snorting the drug is another way opioids are abused.(NIDA) Most teens believe that taking prescribed medicine is safer and more accessible than illegal drugs. Nearly one if five teens have admitted to using pain medication such as vicodin or OxyContin to get high.(drugfree.org)
Opioids are safe and rarely leads to addiction when taken as directed for short periods of time, however long-term use can lead to addiction and dependence. When opioids are abused their is a high risk for medical consequences, such as overdose, respiratory arrest, coma, and addiction. Did you know that Matthew Perry almost died from taking too much of an opioid, vicodin?
Side Effects of Opioids:
Short-term use: drowsiness, constipation, possibly lowered breathing rate, and of course relief of pain
Long-term use: risk for addiction
Opioids should not be taken with any kind of depressant such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or general anesthetics, because they increase the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.(NIDA)
Treatment for addiction
Discontinuing opioids abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), and involuntary leg movements. Treatment includes supervised detoxification and then behavioral treatment with medication such as Methadone, which helps with symptoms and cravings.
www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/prescription/prescription2.html
www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/Features/Generation_Rx_study_confirms_Abuse_of_Prescription
Opioids are most commonly prescribed to relieve pain. Some commonly prescribed opioids include, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
How do they act on the body?
Opioids act on the brain and body by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When they attach they block the perception of pain.
Why are they abused?
Opioid drugs induce euphoria, a feeling of "high," which is why they are commonly abused. These feelings are intensified when the drug is taken in different ways than recommended. For example OxyContin is a time-released drug which is often crushed by the abuser to feel more effect. Snorting the drug is another way opioids are abused.(NIDA) Most teens believe that taking prescribed medicine is safer and more accessible than illegal drugs. Nearly one if five teens have admitted to using pain medication such as vicodin or OxyContin to get high.(drugfree.org)
Opioids are safe and rarely leads to addiction when taken as directed for short periods of time, however long-term use can lead to addiction and dependence. When opioids are abused their is a high risk for medical consequences, such as overdose, respiratory arrest, coma, and addiction. Did you know that Matthew Perry almost died from taking too much of an opioid, vicodin?
Side Effects of Opioids:
Short-term use: drowsiness, constipation, possibly lowered breathing rate, and of course relief of pain
Long-term use: risk for addiction
Opioids should not be taken with any kind of depressant such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or general anesthetics, because they increase the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.(NIDA)
Treatment for addiction
Discontinuing opioids abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), and involuntary leg movements. Treatment includes supervised detoxification and then behavioral treatment with medication such as Methadone, which helps with symptoms and cravings.
www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/prescription/prescription2.html
www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/Features/Generation_Rx_study_confirms_Abuse_of_Prescription
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Prevention: What can we all do?
Physicians:
Patients:
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/prescription6.html#Preventing
- Assess the patient and identify if the patient is abusing prescription drugs.
- Help the patient recognize the problem.
- Set recovery goals and seek appropriate treatment.
- Screening for prescription drug abuse can be done in routine medical visits (ask about abuse history, evaluate current prescriptions and over the counter use.)
- Take note of increases in the amount of medication needed or frequent, unscheduled refill requests.
- Be alert! Prescription drug abusers may move from Dr. to Dr. to obtain multiple prescriptions for the drugs they abuse.
- Provide detailed information on how to take a medication.
- Describing possible side effects or drug interactions.
- Monitor prescriptions for falsification or alterations
- Pharmacists can be the first line of defense in recognizing prescription drug abuse.
- Some pharmacies have even developed systems to alert other pharmacies when a prescription appears false.
Patients:
- Always follow the prescribed directions
- Be aware of potential interactions with other drugs
- Never stop or change a dose without talking to their healthcare provider
- Never use another person's prescription
- Inform healthcare professionals about all the prescription and over the counter meds and dietary and herbal supplements they are taking
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/prescription6.html#Preventing
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