Pill Popping – A Killer Lurking in the Shadows

Diprivan, also known as Propofol is a highly potent, injectable drug used to sedate a surgery patient to sleep, or calm a patient on a ventilator.  

Does sleep deprivation warrant Diprivan injections in an otherwise healthy and very active individual? Is it authorized for use as a cure for insomnia? The answer is a clear cut NO.  What about painkillers Oxycontin and Demerol that were also found on Jackson's premises?

For any physician, nurse and medical personnel who understands the problems associated with reactions or overdoses that can happen, the discovery of these drugs in the medicine cabinet of a `healthy' person made no sense.

In India, up to 10% of total drug addiction cases are from the use of habit forming medicines several of which are prescription drugs that have become available in over the counter forms. These belong to any of the frequently prescribed/ used family of painkillers, sedatives, antihistamines and cough medicines. Procuring these drugs from a chemist shop is as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

The sudden death of Guru Dutt, a highly respected Indian film director/ actor many years ago, after he consumed sleeping pills with alcohol created a huge furor back then and raised questions regarding easy access and misuse of prescription drugs. The death of Michael Jackson has refocused our attention on this problem.

Pain relieving medications help treat the problem and can make a huge difference to people suffering from chronic conditions.  However, when used improperly all of them including the basic Tylenols and Crocins, have the potential to cause serious harm, even death.

In India, Dextropropoxyphene (Spasmo Proxyvon), Diazepam (Calmpose), Bruprenorphine (Avil), Pentacozine (Fortwin), Phenergan, Meprobamate are examples of pain killers and sedatives that can be addictive. What is frightening is that they are easily available, legal and relatively inexpensive.

Most addictions start accidentally, often due to a lack of awareness regarding their potential for harm. Long working hours, work pressures, anxiety and/or acute sickness may be the original reason for using them; however a person may continue to self medicate and take these medicines long after the prescribed period. Usually, physical and/ or psychological dependence is not immediate, but may set in unwittingly with repeated use. Over time higher dosage of the medicine may be needed to produce any effect and soon the person is `hooked to the high" he gets from the pills.

Factors that can increase risk of prescription drug dependency are:
•    Family history of drug abuse
•    Depression
•    Poor self esteem
•    Lack of a social bonding - be it with family or with friends. The feeling that one does not fit in with the rest of the circle can be a powerful driver to drug dependence
•    Exposure to recreational smoking or drug use in the past

A person, who is addicted to prescription pills, will show changes in his/ her behavior. S/he may behave oddly, may be irritable and irrational, may show mood swings, poor judgment, and withdraw socially especially from people who try to help. S/he may also lose weight drastically, may fall sick repeatedly, or tire easily. Such changes though not specific to drug abuse, can sometimes be the first hint that someone is suffering from an addiction.

Rather than jumping to conclusions, it is important to seek medical help to confirm the diagnosis of an addiction.
It's not clearly known at this point whether Diprivan -- or any other drug -- contributed to Michael Jackson's death. All these drugs had the potential to slow down or even stop breathing, which would have eventually stopped his heart.

Once diagnosed a trained medical professional can help with treatment. Narcotics Anonymous, a global de-addiction program with chapters in India, can be a useful resource for individuals who need to get rid of an addiction to medical drugs.

Bottom line, one needs to be careful to:
•    Avoid self-medicating
•    Never start taking prescription drugs based on non-medical advice.
•    Take no more than what is prescribed.
•    Seek professional help if addicted

Compiled by www.NutritionVista.com