Lab 6: Prescription Drug Abuse

Goals: Today’s activity will inform you of the risks associated with common
prescription drugs and the importance of taking such medications only when a doctor
prescribes them and only in the manner in which he instructs.

Using the Internet to Investigate Prescription Drugs

During this session you learned about legal and illegal addictive drugs. However, people
sometimes inappropriately use prescription drugs for reasons other than addiction.
Sometimes they share medications with friends thinking they are being helpful. Other
times, they want the effects of drugs that their doctor does not think they should use. This
lab will have you investigate some commonly misused prescription drugs to learn how
dangerous such a practice could be. Use reputable websites such as webMd, and .edu
or .gov sites to inform your research.

Scenario 1 – Adderall
Wilson is a sophomore in college and is struggling academically. He is enrolled in 18
hours and is working 20 hours per week to help pay his tuition. He’s fallen behind in his
English class and has a 20-page paper due in just two days. His good friend Alex, who
has been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, offers Wilson some of his prescribed
Adderall, saying it will help him pull the “all-nighter” he needs to complete the paper.

1. What risks are associated with taking Adderall? Visit this site
(http://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-adderall-use/) to help form your
answer.

Taking Adderall without proper oversight poses a variety of dangers, both

physical and psychological. Long-term effects on the heart can be serious, ranging
from irregularities to increased risk of more severe issues like heart attack.
Appetite changes may negatively impact nutrition, leading to deficiency problems
over time. Quality of sleep and mental well-being are also at risk as use continues
without prescription guidance.

2. How does Alex’s use of Adderall differ from Wilson’s? Does Alex face any
risks?

Alex utilizes Adderall as directed by his doctor to address attention problems but
is not exempt from potential complications. While intended to help manage
diagnosed symptoms, side effects on cardiovascular health and developing
dependence remain real concerns requiring awareness. Wilson's behavior differs
significantly in that there is no medical need or oversight, placing health in
avoidable jeopardy as the goals are not therapeutic in nature.
 3. Is it legal for Wilson to take Alex’s Adderall?

Sharing or using prescription drugs prescribed for another serves no legally or

medically justifiable purpose. Adderall is a regulated substance, and Wilson
would be at risk of facing legal penalties for appropriating Alex's medication
without a prescription of his own. Both individuals' wellness could be harmed by
circumventing the care and safety parameters put in place by medical experts.

Scenario 2 – Vicodin
Chrissy sprained an ankle during practice and is worried it will ruin her night out on the
town with her friends; they have plans to go out dancing at a local nightclub. One friend,
Danelle, offers her some Vicodin she has left over after recovering from a surgery.

1. What risks are associated with taking Vicodin?

Taking Vicodin long-term presents potential hazards, including physical

dependence, addiction, and dangerously slowed breathing. High doses over many
years may damage the liver, particularly because Vicodin also contains
acetaminophen. Unwanted effects involve dizziness, disorientation, and
sleepiness. Misuse raises the risk of overmedication, which on rare occasions
proves lethal.

2. What might increase Chrissy’s risk with taking Vicodin?

Chrissy’s hazards could amplify should she drink alcohol or consume other
sedatives together with Vicodin, as those intensify the sedative impacts,
expanding the chance of dangerously slowed breathing. Additionally, using
Vicodin without first seeking medical counsel risks obscuring serious injury and
exacerbating her condition.

3. Suppose Chrissy took Danelle’s Vicodin and later fears she might be having
a medical emergency; what steps can be taken (by trained medics or her
friends) to save her life?

If Chrissy fears she could be undergoing a medical crisis after taking Vicodin, her
friends must immediately call emergency services. They should offer responders
as many relevant details as attainable, like what substance was ingested and when.
Medics may administer naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected, and will give
supportive care until she reaches the hospital for full evaluation and treatment.
Scenario 3 – Zoloft
Harley has been having a hard time adjusting to life at college. She misses her family and
friends back home and has had trouble getting plugged into campus life. She really feels
depressed and hardly wants to leave the house. Her roommate Danielle suggests she try
using Zoloft. It worked for her in the past, but she no longer uses it. She gives Harley an
almost full bottle of 50 mg. tablets. The instructions say to take one each morning and
evening. Use this site (http://www.rxlist.com/zoloft-drug/patient-how-to-take.htm) to
learn about Zoloft and the risks associated with Harley self-medicating.

1. What are the most serious risks of taking Zoloft? Why should this be of
particular concern to Harley?

The risks of taking antidepressants like Zoloft without careful medical oversight
are too severe for Harley to undertake alone. This drug, as an SSRI, raises the
chances of suicidal thoughts (especially for younger adults under 24 years old).
There is also a risk of uncomfortable withdrawal if she stops use abruptly rather
than tapering off safely. Self-treating her condition leaves these dangers
unchecked and may not resolve the root issues behind her suffering.

2. For those who are prescribed Zoloft by doctors, what measures do their
doctors take to minimize the risks?

Doctors start slow when prescribing SSRIs, closely tracking any side effects while
gradually increasing the dosage as needed. Regular check-ups aim to evaluate the
treatment's impact on both symptoms and safety, looking out for behavioral or
emotional changes. This care ensures the medication provides help without
subjecting the patient to new risks of harm.

3. What is the best advice you could give Harley regarding her depression?

The wisest path is for Harley to seek a full assessment and customized support
plan from mental healthcare experts. Their diagnosis and recommendations may
involve therapy, medication, or a combination tailored for her specific situation.
Only a comprehensive approach addressing the underlying causes can end her
depression sustainably. Self-treatment risks missing the true issues and solutions
she needs most.

Scenario 4 – Accutane
Carlos has sufferred with oily skin most of his life, but recently he has really had trouble
with acne. Whatever over-the-counter medicines and soaps he tries, he just can get his
skin cleared up. His fraternity brother, Rodger, tells him about how Accutane totally
cleared up his own cystic acne; he swears it’s the best medicine ever!
1. What concerns should Carlos be aware of regarding Accutane?

Carlos must understand that taking Accutane could seriously impact his health, as
isotretinoin has been linked to birth defects, depression, inflammatory bowel
disease, and liver damage. Only after attempting milder treatments, doctors may
prescribe Accutane due to its potency.

2. What if, instead of this scenario involving Carlos and Rodger, the medicine
was being offered to Jennifer by her sorority sister, Maggie? What further
concerns should Jennifer have that Carlos might not need to worry about?
Should Jennifer be offered Accutane, she would need to take special precautions
due to its ability to cause birth defects. Women must use two methods of
contraception and undergo regular pregnancy screening before, during, and for a
time after therapy to minimize risk.

3. What precautions do doctors take to avoid the risks of Accutane with their
patients?

To reduce Accutane's dangers, physicians enroll patients in iPLEDGE, verifying

comprehension of risks with strict adherence. This includes monthly appointments
and testing to surveil side effects. For women able to bear children, dual
protection and monthly exams confirm no pregnancy occurred through the
duration of use.