Consumer
Education: Misuse of Prescription Pain Relievers
Prescription pain relievers (including
narcotics, depressants and stimulants) are safe and effective when
used correctly for a medical condition and under a doctor's
supervision. But they can cause serious side effects if not used
correctly. Incorrect use or use for non-medical reasons can lead to
abuse, addiction and even death.
To obtain printed copies of any of these materials, please email your request
by title to: dpapubs@fda.hhs.gov. You
can also call 301-796-3703 or 1-888-INFO-FDA.
The following links are text
documents. You can also view the graphic versions (if
available) by going to the "All
Graphics and Other Media" page. |
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"The Buzz Takes Your Breath Away. Permanently." While this
text version of a 6 panel brochure was created to reach teens and
young adults, its text is for any consumer who may not use
prescription pain relievers safely. The brochure gives information
about the dangers of misuse and addiction, drugs to watch out for,
symptoms of overdose, and what to do if someone has
overdosed. Other resources are also given.
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"Prescription Drug Abuse: FDA and SAMHSA Join Forces" This
FDA Consumer article from Mar/April 2003 provides
information on the FDA/SAMHSA program to teach consumers about the
dangers of not using prescription pain relievers correctly. It
also includes information about what FDA is doing to work with
manufacturers to assure the availability and the safety of these
medicines.
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"Prescription Drug Use and Abuse"
This FDA Consumer article
from Sept/Oct 2001 provides information on the
risks of using prescription pain relievers for non-medical
uses. It includes information about abuse and addiction, how to
use these medicines correctly, treatments and other resources.
For related topics, see the FDA Web pages
"Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain
Relievers (analgesics) and Fever Reducers (antipyretics)" at:
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/analgesics/default.htm
"OxyContin Information: FDA Strengthens Warnings for OxyContin" at
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/oxycontin/default.htm
"Subutex (buprenorphine hydrochloride) and Suboxone tablets
(buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride)"
information page,
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/subutex_suboxone/default.htm
Further information on prescription drug abuse from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Executive Office of the President of the United States, can be found at:
"Prescription Drug Abuse" at http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/prescr_drg_abuse.html
ONCDP's related site for parents on prescription drug abuse at www.theantidrug.com.
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Date created: October 20, 2004; updated April 1, 2008 |