KUSA - Our phones were non-stop during the morning show Tuesday as experts from the University Hospital School Of Pharmacists fielded calls about prescription drug abuse.
We spoke with Dr. Joseph Saseen, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Clinical Pharmacy CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy
who explained how prescription drug abuse is becoming more common among both adults and teens.
He said the most commonly abused medications are opioids including Vicodin, Ultram AKA tramadol (opioid-like), oxycodone, Percocet, fentanyl, morphine, Dilaudid AKA hydromorphone and many others.
He said signs of prescription abuse include behavior changes, which usually have a slow onset, but can have a rapid onset. "Typically relationships are the first thing jeopardized," Dr. Saseen explained. "Abusers often shut out others to avoid detection of their problem and to spend time seeking drugs or being with people who use.
"Work may become compromised. They may unexpectedly lose their job. They may have rapid weight changes. Sometimes they are depressed," he said. "They often isolate themselves."
Signs of teens stealing RX meds
Dr. Sasseen said one indication may be if you are refilling your prescriptions early.
To prevent it from happening, lock your prescriptions away, and keep track of the number of pills in the bottle. Don't keep expired or unused meds for a "rainy day." Consider taking part in an event like University Hospital's April 28th Drug Take Back Day or mix in with kitty litter and put in the trash. Don't flush prescriptions down the toilet.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/pharmacy/Pages/SchoolofPharmacy.aspx
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