How to Avoid a Prescription Drug Overdose or Interaction
Prescription drug overdoses and accidental misuse now account for more deaths in the U.S. each year than those caused by illegal drugs. The Center for Disease Control reports that accidental prescription drug poisonings increased by a factor of 63 percent between 1999 and 2004. Current medical practices increasingly rely on prescription drugs, and many health care consumers are taking multiple drugs on a daily basis. As a result, harmful interactions between different prescriptions or even over-the-counter medications are becoming more commonplace. There are a few simple precautions you can take to lower your risk of an overdose or harmful drug interaction.
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Instructions
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Never take an increased dosage of your prescribed medication. For example, you may be tempted to take an extra pain pill when your regular dose doesn't provide relief. Avoid this practice entirely. Instead, make a call to your doctor's office to discuss the problem. The doctor may prescribe a different medication or alternate treatment. Your doctor specified your dosage at the time of the prescription, likely taking into account several different factors. It is important to communicate with your health care provider rather than self-medicating.
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Make a list or inventory of each prescription drug you are taking. Also include any over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you may be taking. The list should include the drug name, generic name, dosage and any special instructions. Keep the list updated with any changes. Make a list of the type of cold, flu, stomach or OTC pain relief you take on an as-needed basis as well.
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Keep copies of your drug list in safe and easy-to-access locations. Keep one copy of this list at home. Make sure your family knows where it is located. If you become incapacitated, your family can provide the list to the rescue squad, emergency room or hospital. Keep another copy in your wallet or purse. If you are seeing a specialist or new medical provider, you will be able to easily provide them with a detailed account of your drug usage.
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If you are prescribed a new medication, be sure your doctor or specialist is aware of the current medications you are taking. Specifically ask if there is any chance of an interaction between the new drug and your current medications to prevent a harmful interaction. Doctors are busier than ever, so it is important that patients makes sure the doctor has considered all possible adverse interactions of their medications.
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Discuss and understand all potential side effects of your medications. Your doctor and pharmacist can discuss these with you. Don't take anything for granted. It is important that you understand how these drugs will affect you. If there is an adverse reaction, you will be in a better position to recognize it and take action.
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Insist that your primary care doctor review all of your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and supplements twice a year. Let the nurse know you want this to be part of an upcoming office visit so the appropriate time can be allotted.
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Never save short-term prescribed medicines for later use. It is common for patients to save any leftover pain medicine following a surgery or injury. The typical thinking is that these pills will be handy if you strain your back or suffer another toothache. Self-medicating is never safe. Furthermore, never share your medication with someone else. Adding just one unprescribed drug to another person's "drug cocktail" can be disastrous.
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Fill all of your prescriptions at the same pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist if they can monitor and track your prescriptions. Ask if they would like to add any OTC or supplements to their list. Get to know your pharmacist, and utilize the services they offer.
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References
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