Pharmacy Students �  “America’s biggest drug problem is not on our streets, but in

our medicine cabinet” �  Student pharmacist initiative (Generation RX) to prevent

prescription drug abuse in the community. �  More Americans abuse prescription medications than

cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined. �  Substance Abuse and Dependencies are classified as diseases

in the DSM-V

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SeqZs4tURI&feature=youtu.be

Video

Today’s Agenda…What can you do? 1.  Get informed

A.  Different classes of abused prescription drugs and OTCs

B.  Warning signs C.  Withdrawal Effects

2.  Monitoring medications 3.  Local Resources

What prescription medications are commonly abused?

Depressants and anesthetics

�  Why prescribed? used as muscle relaxers and to control disorders such insomnia, seizure, and anxiety

�  Example: Valium, Xanax �  Effects: sedation, slowing of pulse or breathing, sleepiness,

impaired motor and cognitive functions �  Effects at higher doses (abuse): heavy sedation, poor judgment,

coma, slurring speech �  Extremely dangerous in combination with alcohol

Narcotics and opioid derivatives �  Most commonly abused prescription medication �  Why prescribed? used to control and manage pain �  Example: Oxycodone �  Effects: slowing of breathings, sedation, pinpointed pupils,

slurring speech, itching �  Higher doses: coma and death (respiratory depression) �  Extremely dangerous in combination with alcohol

Stimulants �  Why prescribed? This class of drug designed to elevate

mood and increase feelings of well-being and alertness � Often used to treat attention deficit disorders

�  Example: Adderall �  Effects at Higher Doses: manic behavior, poor appetite,

increase in heart rate, blood pressure, pupil dilation, hostility, aggression

Warning Signs

Withdrawal � Depressants � Anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, increase in

alcohol intake � Opioids � Flu-like symptoms, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, extreme thirst

� Stimulants � Depression, changes in sleep

Are only prescription medications abused? The Over the Counter Medications

The Legal Drugs: Over-the-Counter Medications

� Found in every local pharmacy, convenience store & grocery store

� Easily accessible � Completely safe at correct doses � When abused used for reasons not intended for

by a doctor � Can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs!

Cough & Cold Remedies: Dextromethorphan (DXM)

• Cough suppressant found in many cold remedies • Robitussin DM, Nyquil, Theraflu, Dimetap • Dangerous at high levels • Dissociative hallucinogen- Similar mechanism to PCP • Warning Signs : • If friend continues cold medicine after symptoms have subsided • Using during wrong seasons

Now that you are informed about some of the medications…what can you do?

Local Resources �  Talk to Someone!

� Resident Assistant � Trusted Professor or Adult

�  University Counseling Center �  412-648-7930 -

http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/ccsubstanceabuse

�  Drug and Alcohol Counselor �  http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/ccdrugalcohol

�  HealthyU- Health Education �  412-383-1872

University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Patient Care Committee asppatientcare@gmail.com

Thank You!