Q&A with Pharmacist Kristen Binaso
Ask the Experts
Teens say prescription drugs are readily available — in their own homes, from friends or relatives, and online pharmacies. Kristen Binaso, RPh,
community pharmacist and APHA spokesperson, offers guidance for parents on limiting access to prescription drugs and keeping teens drug-free.
Q: I keep reading about teens taking prescription drugs to get high, often while drinking or smoking pot. How dangerous is that? How is the interaction with alcohol or marijuana different with different types of drugs — for example painkillers, depressants, stimulants, or over-the-counter drugs?
A: It is extremely dangerous to mix prescription and over-the-counter medications with marijuana and alcohol. Each person can react differently and there are infinite possibilities for bad reactions. Drug interactions and reactions like dehydration, seizures, heart failure, loss of balance or impaired coordination, blurred vision, slowing or speeding of heart rate, elevation or lowering of blood pressure, slowness or inability to breathe, anxiety, paranoia, and other issues can cause serious harm and even death. Mixing drugs not only affects the teen who uses, but also can harm helpless victims, like friends and family, if they are in a car crash or other accident due to impairment.
Q: When teens are scheduled for knee surgery or get their wisdom teeth removed, they are often prescribed pain killers. What can I do to ensure the medication does not get misused?
A: Talk to your healthcare provider about prescribing products that are not controlled substances. Many times, a simple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen can help with pain. In the event that a prescription medication is necessary, make sure your teen only takes the dose when necessary and is actually feeling pain. Keep all medications in a secure place and keep track of the number of pills and refills. Once the pain has subsided for a few days, be sure to dispose of any remaining medication properly.
Q: My teen seems to run out of her monthly prescription early each month (and asks me to contact the doctor or pharmacist for an early refill). What should I do?
A: If your teen is asking for an early refill, find out why. Ask your teen how she is taking the medication and, if necessary, fill a weekly pill box so you can supervise how many pills are being taken each day. Take the time to get to know your pharmacist on a first-name basis. Let them know that you are concerned about the early refills. They can take note and take necessary steps to help prevent early refills.
Q: If I do not finish a prescription, what should I do with the leftover medication?
A: Take the medication out of its original container and put it in a sealable bag. Crush the tablets or dissolve them in some water, while still in the bag. Add coffee grinds, kitty litter, or a substance that will make the contents less appealing to pets or children. Then dispose of the bag in a trash can. Flush specific prescription medications down the toilet only if the label tells you to.
Q: My child has a prescription for Ritalin and he is being pressured by friends to hand out his pills. How can I help prevent this?
A: Make sure you monitor all medication and check that there are accurate counts at all times. Remind your teen that a healthcare provider prescribed those pills specifically for him and are never to be shared. Not only is sharing medication dangerous, but it is also illegal and could get him in serious trouble both at school and with local authorities. You can also reach out to the parents of your teen’s friends to discuss the growing trend of prescription abuse and ways to prevent it. If needed, enlist the help of a school guidance counselor or teacher to address the issues in school. There are many resources available for help on a national and local level.
Q: I found some pills in my son’s bag and I’m not sure what they are. How can I find out? What should I do if they are prescription drugs that have not been prescribed to him?
A: You can bring them into any pharmacy and the pharmacist should be able to help you identify the pills, or you can also contact your local poison control center. If you find out that the pills are not prescribed to your child, confiscate them and properly dispose of them. Then talk to your teen to find out where and why he got the pills. Educate other family members, especially grandparents and other older caretakers, about this issue and make sure that everyone keeps an inventory of what is in their medicine cabinets, both prescription and over the counter drugs. Monitor your teen’s habits, look for changes in behavior, and check to see if any strange packages arrive in the mail for your teen.
Q: I live in a big city and tend to get prescriptions filled at various locations of large chain stores. What is the best way to approach a new pharmacist with the previous and similar questions?
A: Feel free to visit the pharmacy – no matter how large the store – and ask for the pharmacist on staff. It may take a few minutes, but they will be more than happy to listen and offer some guidance. Get to know the pharmacist on a first-name basis and tell him or her your concerns about your teen. If you fill all of your family medications at that store, the pharmacist will get to know you and will be more than willing to advise you on this serious issue.
Next: Teens and Prescription Drugs
