The Potential Risk Of Dependency Upon Prescription Drugs

With the latest deaths of celebrities, DJ AM and Michael Jackson involving prescription drugs, many patients have begun wondering about the safety of their prescription drugs.
Could you become addicted to the prescription drugs your doctor has prescribed for you? What are the chances that those same drugs could cause your accidental injury or death?


We rarely think that we can get addicted to a drug that our doctor has prescribed for us, but it can easily happen. In fact, you might not even realize that you have build up a tolerance or have become addicted to prescription drugs until you can’t live without them. If you think prescription drugs are safe because your doctor has prescribed them, your wrong. In fact, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal street drugs if used in the wrong way.


According to the National Household Survey On Drug Abuse, an estimated 1.6 million Americans have used prescription painkillers non-medically. Pain killer addiction is one of the fastest growing addictions in the U.S. Painkillers such OxyContin and the anxiety drug, Xanax, while for the most part are consider “safe”, have very addictive properties. The growing addiction of these drugs has now surpassed addictions of Cocaine and Marijuana in many states.


The misuse of medication is blamed of more than 20,000 cases a year, resulting in unintentional deaths within the U.S. The patient who is addicted to prescription drugs may not have realize they have built up a tolerance and the central nervous system can be affected to the point of respiratory depression. When this happens you can simply stop breathing in your sleep. Painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin are more likely to cause fatal overdoses then even Heroin or Cocaine.


Of course most people don’t intend to get addicted to their prescription drugs, but addiction rarely occurs amongst those who use the medication as prescribed. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from prescription drug addiction.


*Never use another person’s prescription.


*When visiting the doctor, always provide a complete medical history.


*Follow the directions on the medication and learn what side effects the drug could have.


*Be aware of possible interactions with other drugs you are taking.


*Do not increase, decrease or abruptly stop taking a drug without consulting your doctor.


This is not to say that physicians and pharmacies are not without responsibility. Some doctors and pharmacist don’t always share medical records. This creates an environment of an accident waiting to happen. There is always a risk of patient inadvertently mixing medications and that can have deadly consequences. These accidents can be prevented and the burden should fall on the medical community. It is the responsibility of the medical community to clearly explain medications, their side effects and any possible drug interactions.
Be aware of signs of tolerance and addiction. If you notice any of these signs contact your doctor for help.
*Erratic mood changes

*Drowsiness

*Dizziness

*Insomnia

*Hyperactivity

*Suicidal tendencies

*Confusion

*Excessive sweating, urination, or thirst

*Uncontrollable diarrhea

*Nausea and vomiting
The dangers of prescription drugs are as real as any illegal drug on the street. Be sure you are aware of the risks of any medications and weigh the benefits with the side effects. Remember always, it’s your body and your decision what drugs you take.



Sources:
http://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/prescription-drugs/signs-symptoms-addiction-to-prescription-drugs/menu-id-54/


http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=126466&cat=10


http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/22/Accidental-Prescription-Drug-Deaths-Spike-Upward.aspx



By Renee Rotto