Description
A type of drug abuse characterized by the improper use of prescription drugs. The most commonly abused drugs are sedatives, stimulants and pain medications. It is estimated that up to 15% of high school seniors have illicitly taken prescription drugs. The most commonly abused drugs are oxycodone LA (OxyContin), oxycodone (Percocet) and hydrocodone (Vicodin).
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the drug being abused. Narcotics and sedatives: confusion, constipation, poor judgment, bizarre behavior, excessive sleepiness, decreased respiratory effort, fatigue. Stimulants: fast heart rate, agitation, sweating, bizarre behavior, hallucinations, high blood pressure, insomnia.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Airway and breathing are the first functions that are checked. Urine drug tests can detect many prescription medicines for several days after they have been ingested.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine or serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Airway and breathing are the first functions that are checked. Urine drug tests can detect many prescription medicines for several days after they have been ingested.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine or serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine
Treatment
Overdose can be life-threatening. A hospital stay may be needed. Intubation and breathing support by a ventilator may be needed. Some medicines can be "reversed" with an antidote: Narcan (naloxone) may be used for narcotic overdose. Flumazenil (Romazicon) may be used for certain cases of sedative overdose. Participation in a long-term counseling or detox program may be necessary for addiction treatment.