Abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to obtain illegal highs
how pharmacists can prevent misuse
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to obtain illegal highs
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: how pharmacists can prevent misuse
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Vivek Sarjerao Chavan, Asst. Prof. Sagar Suresh Jadkar, Asst. Prof. Renuka Jagannath Shinde, Prathmesh Chandrakant Kshirsagar, Vaishnavi Pravin Kadam and Hiral Himmat Bhanushali
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to obtain illegal highs
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20237-27975
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The abuse of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs has become a growing concern in today's healthcare landscape. Self-medication practices, driven by the accessibility of OTC medications, have led to increased misuse, prompting a critical role for pharmacists in providing guidance and prevention strategies. This paper discusses the prevalence of OTC drug misuse, the challenges pharmacists face, and their potential impact in curbing these issues to enhance patient care and medication management.
Importance of Pharmacists in Preventing Misuse
Pharmacists serve as a crucial point of contact for patients regarding the safe use of OTC medications. They possess the expertise to educate patients about the risks associated with improper medication use, such as addiction, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions. Unfortunately, pharmacists have not always been fully utilized in their capacity to manage self-medication behaviors. The article emphasizes that with proper engagement, pharmacists can improve medication therapy management and offer valuable interventions that may prevent OTC medicine abuse.
Overview of Drug Abuse
The paper highlights the distinction between misuse and abuse of drugs. Misuse generally involves incorrect usage, such as inaccurate dosages or lack of awareness of drug interactions, whereas abuse entails intentional use for non-medical purposes, such as seeking a euphoric effect. Both prescription and OTC drugs can be misused or abused, with specific attention given to various categories of prescription drugs, including opioids, CNS depressants, and stimulants. The authors illustrate the risk factors and signs of prescription drug abuse, emphasizing the prevalence particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Impact of COVID-19 on OTC Drug Use
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the misuse of OTC medications, with increased self-medication attempts and stockpiling behaviors noted. People have turned to OTC drugs for symptomatic relief of COVID-related symptoms, inadvertently risking overdose and hindering proper medical care. Additionally, the psychological impact of the pandemic has led some individuals to seek solace in OTC medications, raising concerns about dependency and addiction. This further underlines the importance of pharmacist-provided guidance during such crises.
Conclusion
The role of pharmacists is vital in addressing the misuse and abuse of prescription and OTC medications. By expanding their involvement in patient education and healthcare collaboration, pharmacists can help manage and mitigate the risks associated with drug misuse. The article advocates for increased awareness and concerted efforts among healthcare professionals to confront prescription and OTC drug addiction issues. Overall, informed intervention strategies and education will be key to ensuring safe medication practices and promoting public health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of pharmacists in preventing drug abuse?
Pharmacists serve as primary healthcare providers, educating patients about safe medication use, monitoring for misuse, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to manage patient care effectively.
How do over-the-counter medicines contribute to drug misuse?
Over-the-counter medicines can be misused due to their easy accessibility, leading to potential addiction through incorrect usage, overdosage, or intentional abuse for non-medical purposes.
What are common prescription drugs that are abused?
Commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids, CNS depressants like benzodiazepines, and stimulants often misused for their euphoric effects or to enhance performance.
What are some signs of prescription drug abuse?
Signs include mood changes, poor motor skills, shallow breathing, dizziness, and changes in appetite. These symptoms can vary depending on the substance abused.
What measures can pharmacists take against suspected drug abuse?
Pharmacists can contact prescribers for verification, check patient history with other pharmacies, provide counseling, and refer patients to addiction treatment facilities if needed.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected OTC drug use?
The pandemic led to increased self-medication, stockpiling medications, and misuse of hand sanitizers, all of which pose health risks and could contribute to substance use disorders.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to obtain illegal highs”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drugs refer to substances that, when taken into the body, can alter physical or psychological functions. They encompass both prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products. Understanding the implications of both legal and illegal drugs is crucial for managing public health and addressing issues like misuse and addiction.
2) Misuse:
Misuse indicates the inappropriate or incorrect use of a substance, particularly medications. This can involve taking a drug for purposes other than intended, often leading to addiction and health risks. Addressing misuse is important in the context of creating effective pharmaceutical care and promoting safe medication practices.
3) Medicine:
The medicine denotes preparations made for treating or preventing diseases. Pharmacists are crucial in ensuring the proper usage of medicines, identifying misuse, and providing patient education about their safe use to promote better health outcomes and mitigate risks.
4) Substance:
The substance refers to any chemical, drug, or compound that interacts within the body. Understanding the specific properties of substances is essential in pharmacy practice for managing their therapeutic effects or preventing misuse and ensuring patient safety.
5) Mental health:
Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing thoughts and behaviors. Understanding the connection between medications and mental health is critical, especially concerning self-medication or misuse of prescription drugs, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
6) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry or fear. It often leads individuals to seek treatment through medications or self-care strategies. The pharmacist's role is essential in advising safe medication use to manage anxiety and avoid misuse of prescription drugs.
7) Blood:
Blood is a crucial bodily fluid that transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and carries waste products away. Understanding the impact of certain drugs on blood composition or function is essential in pharmacology, particularly in the context of treating diseases affecting blood health.
8) Mud:
Mood refers to a temporary state of mind or feeling, heavily influenced by physiological and psychological factors. The impact of medications on mood is significant in mental health treatments, and pharmacists must understand these effects to help manage patients effectively and prevent misuse.
9) Quality:
Quality in healthcare pertains to the safety, efficacy, and overall effectiveness of medications and services provided. Ensuring the quality of drugs is paramount for achieving optimal health outcomes and maintaining public trust in the healthcare system, especially amid concerns about misuse and safety.
10) Line:
Line, in a pharmaceutical context, often refers to product lines or extensions of existing brands, such as various formulations of OTC medications. Brand extensions can lead to consumer confusion about usage and safety, highlighting the need for pharmacist guidance to ensure proper drug selection and administration.
11) Hand:
Hand refers to the physical handling or distribution of substances, particularly in pharmacy. The act of providing medications involves not just the physical transfer but also the responsibility of ensuring patient understanding of how to use these medications safely and effectively, underscoring pharmacist roles.
12) Visit:
Visit signifies a single instance of a patient consulting a healthcare professional. Each visit provides a crucial opportunity for pharmacists to educate patients, assess their medication needs, and discuss misuse risks, improving overall health outcomes through informed decision-making.
13) Pain:
Pain is a complex physiological and emotional experience often driving individuals to seek pharmacological relief. Understanding pain management through proper medication use is critical in pharmacy practice, emphasizing the importance of preventing misuse while managing patients' pain effectively.
14) Study (Studying):
Study denotes a systematic investigation, often yielding valuable insights into drug use, misuse, and healthcare practices. Research findings inform pharmacy practice, guiding intervention strategies and promoting evidence-based approaches to managing prescription and OTC drug use safely.
15) Performance:
Performance can refer to various aspects of health, including physical and cognitive functions. The misuse of medications may be driven by a desire to enhance performance, underscoring the need for awareness and education about safe medicine use and its potential risks.
16) Depression:
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder that significantly impacts daily functioning and emotional well-being. Treatments often include medications, highlighting the pharmacist's role in ensuring safe usage and monitoring for potential misuse of antidepressants among vulnerable populations.
17) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a physiological response often linked to various health conditions; certain medications may induce nausea or vomiting as side effects. Understanding these reactions is crucial in pharmaceutical care to prevent misuse and enhance patient compliance with prescribed therapies.
18) Epidemic:
An epidemic describes a sudden outbreak of a disease that affects a large number of individuals within a community. The misuse of drugs during an epidemic poses public health risks, necessitating intervention strategies and emphasizing the importance of proper medication management by healthcare providers.
19) Activity:
Activity refers to various physiological or social functions that can be affected by drug use. Understanding how medications influence activity levels, especially regarding side effects or potential misuse, is essential for pharmacists to guide patients effectively and ensure safety in drug consumption.
20) Euphoria:
Euphoria is an intense feeling of happiness or excitement that can sometimes result from drug use. Recognizing how certain medications, particularly those misused, can induce euphoria is vital for pharmacists in addressing addiction issues and educating patients about safe practices.
21) Solapur:
Solapur is a region that may refer to context-specific healthcare practices affecting local populations. Understanding regional health-related issues is crucial for pharmacists to tailor interventions that consider local drug misuse patterns and enhance patient care within that community.
22) Disease:
Disease represents a pathological condition affecting bodily functions. The role of drugs in disease management is central to pharmacy practice, where the aim is to effectively treat, manage, and prevent diseases while minimizing adverse effects and addressing possible misuse of medications.
23) Family:
Family denotes the social unit that plays a crucial role in individual health behaviors and substance use. Family dynamics can influence one's understanding and approach to medication, making it essential for healthcare providers to consider familial contexts when addressing drug misuse issues.
24) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent characteristics or qualities of substances, including drugs. Understanding the nature of different medications is essential for pharmacists to guide patients effectively in safe usage, recognize misuse, and inform them about risks and benefits associated with their treatments.
25) Reason:
Reason pertains to the rationale behind actions, such as seeking medications or misusing drugs. Understanding the underlying reasons for medication use or misuse can help pharmacists develop effective interventions aimed at promoting safe practices and addressing addiction issues.
26) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to the process of dispensing medications by pharmacists. This action comes with responsibilities, including assessing prescriptions for safety, providing appropriate counseling, and recognizing patterns that may indicate misuse, thereby ensuring patient health and compliance.
27) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worry reflects the internal concerns individuals may have regarding their health or medication use. For pharmacists, understanding patients' worries is crucial in addressing misconceptions and promoting safe medication practices while providing reassurance and support in their health management.
28) Sign:
Sign signifies an indication or symptom that may reflect a condition or health issue. Recognizing signs of misuse or adverse effects is essential for pharmacists to provide appropriate interventions and safeguard patient health while promoting informed medication use.
29) Pur:
Poor signifies inadequate conditions or outcomes, particularly regarding health or medication management. Understanding factors contributing to poor medication adherence or misuse is essential for pharmacists to develop effective strategies that enhance patient education and improve overall health outcomes.
30) Life:
Life encompasses the essence of human existence and the various health challenges individuals face. Addressing drug use and misuse directly impacts quality of life, making it essential for pharmacists to advocate for safe medication practices to promote well-being and health.
31) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the process of spreading a substance or a disease. In the context of pharmacy, understanding transmission routes of drugs or pathogens is essential for developing strategies to control misuse and ensure effective treatment and management strategies.
32) Purification:
Purification is the process of removing contaminants from a substance, ensuring its safety and efficacy. In pharmacy, purification is essential for producing high-quality medications while reducing potential risks of contamination and misuse, emphasizing the importance of rigorous quality control.
33) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An antibiotic is a specific type of drug used to treat bacterial infections. Knowledge of its uses, potential side effects, and misuse is essential for pharmacists to promote responsible prescribing and patient adherence, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes and addressing resistance concerns.
34) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth or progress in various contexts, including the evolution of new medications or treatment strategies. Understanding the dynamics of developing healthcare solutions is crucial for pharmacists aiming to improve patient care and address emerging issues related to drug misuse.
35) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of harmful effects of substances on organisms. It is pivotal in pharmacy for preventing and managing drug misuse and overdose, where understanding toxicological properties helps pharmacists guide safe medication practices that mitigate health risks.
36) Vaishnavi (Vaisnavi):
Vaishnavi is a possible reference to an author or contributor in the research context. Recognizing contributions from individuals in healthcare research is vital for acknowledging collaborative efforts aimed at addressing drug misuse and enhancing safe medication practices within the community.
37) Knowledge:
Knowledge denotes information and understanding acquired through education or experience, which is crucial in pharmacy. Pharmacists' knowledge about drugs, their uses, and risks related to misuse enables them to provide accurate advice, improving patient outcomes and promoting safe practices.
38) Jagannatha (Jagannath, Jagat-natha):
Jagannath likely refers to an author or contributor in the research document. Acknowledging contributions within academic and healthcare contexts is vital for fostering collaboration and addressing issues such as drug misuse through comprehensive research and community engagement.
39) Toxicity:
Toxicity measures the potential harmful effects of a substance on an organism. In pharmacy, understanding toxicity is fundamental for evaluating safety and developing interventions that prevent misuse of medications while ensuring patients receive effective treatments.
40) Crushing:
Crushing refers to breaking down medication tablets, often leading to altered effects or risks of misuse. Understanding the implications of crushing medications is essential for pharmacists to educate patients on safe practices and to prevent unintended consequences from improper administration.
41) Falling:
Falling can refer to the physical consequence of certain medication side effects, particularly in elderly patients. Pharmacists play a critical role in assessing risks associated with drug interactions or side effects that may lead to falls, promoting safety in medication use.
42) Account:
Account signifies the necessity for transparency and responsibility in healthcare practices. Pharmacists are accountable for their decisions regarding medication dispensing, ensuring they adhere to regulations to prevent misuse and safeguard patients' health and well-being.
43) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of knowledge encompassing various fields, including pharmacology. The science of medication involves understanding drug interactions, effects, and safety, which is crucial for pharmacists to provide informed guidance and optimize patient health.
44) Animal:
Animal signifies non-human organisms often subjects in medical research. Understanding how medications affect animals is essential for pharmacological studies that inform safe drug development and guidelines before they are prescribed or sold for human use.
45) Renuka:
Renuka likely denotes an author or researcher contributing to the study. Recognizing individual contributions in scientific literature is vital for collaboration and advancing knowledge in addressing issues like drug misuse and enhancing healthcare practices.
46) Nausea:
Nausea is a common side effect of many medications that can significantly impact treatment adherence. Understanding its causes and management is essential for pharmacists to guide patients in effectively using medications while addressing potential misuse issues.
47) Police:
Police refers to law enforcement agencies that play a role in managing drug misuse issues. Collaboration between pharmacists and police can facilitate addressing illegal drug activities, enhancing community awareness, and ensuring public safety in medication use.
48) Dealer:
Dealer refers to individuals involved in the unlawful distribution of drugs, creating a significant public health concern. Pharmacists play a crucial role in preventing drug misuse by recognizing signs of illegal distribution and promoting safe medication practices within the community.
49) Sagar (Sagár):
Sagar could refer to an author or research contributor in the context of the study. Acknowledging individual contributions is crucial for appreciating collaborative efforts in healthcare research aimed at addressing drug misuse and promoting effective practices.
50) Kadam:
Kadam potentially denotes an author or participant in the research study. Recognizing contributors within academic publications fosters collaboration and encourages diverse insights into addressing issues such as drug misuse in the healthcare system.
51) Sugar:
Sugar relates to carbohydrate compounds that play a role in human nutrition. Understanding the relationship between sugar consumption and medication effects is pertinent for pharmacists to advise patients properly, especially those with comorbidities, to prevent misuse or adverse outcomes.
52) Rules:
Rules refer to established guidelines or regulations governing medication use and distribution. Compliance with pharmaceutical rules is vital for pharmacists to ensure patient safety, minimize misuse, and uphold ethical standards within the healthcare system.
53) Fever:
Fever indicates an elevated body temperature often signifying infection or illness. Pharmacists must understand how various medications can affect fever management and recognize when it may lead to misuse, playing a critical role in patient education.
54) Death:
Death signifies the ultimate consequence of various health conditions, including those exacerbated by drug misuse. Understanding the impact of substance abuse on mortality rates highlights the importance of pharmacist intervention in promoting safe practices and preventing misuse.
55) Cash (Cas):
Cash refers to the physical currency used for transactions, including purchasing medications. The context of cash transactions might relate to potential illegal activities concerning drug acquisition, where pharmacists must remain vigilant in identifying and addressing misuse trends.
56) Pir:
Peer refers to individuals of similar status or age group who can influence choices concerning drug use. Understanding peer dynamics is crucial for pharmacists to inform and educate communities, helping to mitigate the risks associated with substance misuse.
57) Male:
Male refers to a gender that may demonstrate different patterns of substance use and misuse compared to females. Understanding these demographic differences is essential for pharmacists to tailor interventions and treatment strategies effectively to address specific issues related to drug misuse.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to obtain illegal highs’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Drug Interaction, Patient education, Self medication, CNS depressant, Withdrawal symptoms, Drug dependence, Pharmacist role, Pharmacist's role, Self-medication practice, Over the counter drug, Medication therapy management, Stimulant.