Prescription medications such as pain relievers, tranquilizers,
stimulants, and sedatives are very useful treatment tools, but
sometimes people do not take them as directed and may become addicted.
Pain relievers make surgery possible, and enable many individuals with
chronic pain to lead productive lives. Most people who take
prescription medications use them responsibly. However, the
inappropriate or nonmedical use of prescription medications is a
serious public health concern. Nonmedical use of prescription
medications like opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants,
and stimulants can lead to addiction, characterized by compulsive drug
seeking and use.
Patients, healthcare professionals, and pharmacists all have roles in
preventing misuse and addiction to prescription medications. For
example, when a doctor prescribes a pain relief medication, CNS
depressant, or stimulant, the patient should follow the directions for
use carefully, learn what effects the medication could have, and
determine any potential interactions with other medications. The
patient should read all information provided by the pharmacist.
Physicians and other healthcare providers should screen for any type
of substance abuse during routine history-taking, with questions about
which prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines the patient
is taking and why. Providers should note any rapid increases in the
amount of a medication needed or frequent requests for refills before
the quantity prescribed should have been used, as these may be
indicators of abuse.
Labels: No Prescription, Online Pharmacy, Prescription Drugs
# posted by Network @ 12:17 PM
