2. 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.
— MoreAmericans abuse prescription medications than
cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined.
— SubstanceAbuse and Dependencies are classified as diseases
in the DSM-V

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

4. 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

5. What prescription medications are
commonly abused?

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Warning Signs

10. Withdrawal
— Depressants
— Anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, increase in
alcohol intake
— Opioids
— Flu-like symptoms, cramps,
nausea, diarrhea, extreme thirst
— Stimulants
— Depression, changes in sleep

11. Are only prescription medications
abused?
The Over the Counter Medications

12. 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!

13. 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

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

15. Local Resources
— Talk to Someone!
— ResidentAssistant
— Trusted Professor or Adult
— University Counseling Center
— 412-648-7930 -
http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/ccsubstanceabuse
— Drug andAlcohol Counselor
— http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/ccdrugalcohol
— HealthyU- Health Education
— 412-383-1872

16. University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Patient Care Committee
asppatientcare@gmail.com
Thank You!