RX

What you don’t know about medication can change

your life...

and hers.For more information on this topic visit:

www.drugfree.org/prevent for local resources

www.drugfreecharlotte.org

Questions and helpIf you feel someone has had a medication overdose or

ill reaction that is non life threatening, call the poison

center for guidance at 1-800-222-1222.

For an emergency, dial 911 for help.

The program was supported by the American Medical

Association and developed by the Carolinas Center for

Injury Prevention. Its brought to you locally by your area

pharmacists at CMC Rx Pharmacy and safety partners

as members of The Drug Free Charlotte Coalition.

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Any prescription drug carries a risk when not used correctly.

Unintended use, that increases risk:• Taking a medication for longer or in higher doses than needed.

• Mixing a medication with other medications at the same time. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Taking medication not prescribed for you or for a condition other than what the doctor prescribed.

What should you know?• Prescription drugs are NOT safer than over-the-counter medication.

• Prescription medications can lead to ADDICTION/DEPENDENCE or DEATH; especially pain medications when used incorrectly.

• Sharing prescribed medication is ILLEGAL.

• Safe storage is VERY important when you have children and adolescents in your home.

What should I do?• Understand your prescription

• Consider safe storage (out of reach of small children, locked away from adolescents)

• Carefully monitor usage and missing pills

• When medication is no longer needed dispose leftovers to prevent future risk

RXWhen good medication

can turn into something bad.

Who is at risk?• Small children - are curious and can reach medication left on counters.

• Adults - can become addicted from long term use or accidental overdose. Dependence is not the same as addiction, but just as deadly.

• Teens and adolescents - often seek what they think is a safer way to get a high.

- 70% gain access to drugs from a friend or relative’s home making them easier to access than street drugs.

- Teens are more likely to “experiment” with higher doses and have more serious reactions making it more deadly.

- Prescription pain medications are a gateway drug to heroin and are highly addictive.

• Families and communities - suffer from increased safety issues and loss of family members.

Warning signs of abuse. • Extreme changes in behavior (secretive/evasive or moodiness)

• Changes in friends

• Borrowing money

• Skipping school (doing poorly in school)

• Rapid increase in dose/usage amount of medication

Pain relievers:(Opoids: hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, fentanyl)

Vicodin®, Oxycontin®, Dilaudid®, Opana®, Duragesic®

Antidepressants:Prozac®, Zoloft®, Ritalin®, Celexa®

Sedatives:Benzos: , Ativan®, Xanax®, Valium®, Klonopin®

Stimulants: (methylphenidate, amphetamines)

Adderall®, Ritalin®, Concerta®

Over the Counter drugs:Robitussin DM, Delsym (contains dextromethorphan)

* Please consult your pharmacist if you are unsure of drug

names or use generic versions under different names. For

proper disposal, ask your pharmacist.

Substances most commonly misused:

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