Michael Jackson, one of the most phenomenal musical talents the world has ever known passed away on June 25, allegedly after overdosing on Diprivan -- a lethal medication that did not belong in his home, but rather in a strictly controlled and monitored environment where anaesthesia was required. Diprivan is the brand name of Propofol, a highly potent, injectable drug used to sedate a candidate for surgery or calm a patient on a ventilator.

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

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, upto 10 percent of drug addiction cases stem from the use of habit-forming medications, several of which are prescription drugs that have become available over the counter. Painkillers, sedatives, antihistamines or cough medication -- procuring pills from a chemist is as easy as 1-2-3.

The sudden death of Guru Dutt, a highly respected Indian film director/ actor back in 1964, after he supposedly consumed a cocktail of sleeping pills mixed with alcohol created a huge furore and raised questions regarding the easy access and misuse of prescription drugs. Since then several celebrities have fallen prey to over-the-counter drugs and the death of Michael Jackson has only redrawn the world's attention to this problem.

Pain-relieving medications help treat those suffering from chronic health conditions. However, when used improperly all of them, including your basic Tylenols and Crocins, have the potential to cause serious harm and even death.

In India, Dextropropoxyphene (brand name Spasmo Proxyvon), Diazepam (brand name Calmpose), Bruprenorphine (brand name Avil), Pentacozine (brand name Fortwin), Phenergan and Meprobamate are examples of painkillers 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 to 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, a higher dosage of the medicine may be required to produce any effect and soon the person is 'hooked to the high' he gets from the pills. Certain drugs even have the potential to slow down or stop you from breathing, which may ultimately lead to cardiac arrest and maybe death.

Factors that can increase risk of prescription drug dependency are:

• A family history of drug abuse
• Depression
• Poor self-esteem
• Lack of social bonding, be it with family or 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 smoking or recreational 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 have mood swings, show 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. Once diagnosed a trained medical professional can help with treatment. Narcotics Anonymous, a global de-addiction programme with chapters in India, can be a useful resource for individuals who need to overcome an addiction.

Bottom line, one needs to be careful:

• Avoid self-medicating
• Never start taking prescription drugs based on non-medical advice.
  

                                                                                                 courtesy:rediffmail get ahead