Behind the Counter, Over the Dose!

When the world is run on medications, whose responsibility is it for monitoring the rate at which controlled prescriptions are being dealt? The average male in the year 2019 according to Texas Health Data, had the largest rate of overdoses in the state of Texas approximately rating at 269 per 100,000 civilians. Doctors are in charge of prescribing and pharmacists are responsible for dispensing, yet how does one keep a person from overdosing?

 

• There are many different systems put in place to help monitor patients and their prescription history, but how are we sure that every patient is going to use these medications safely? The rate for an accidental overdose on psychostimulants according to the Texas Health Data has steadily inclined from 2007 (85 deaths per 100,000) to 2019 (1,018 deaths per 100,000).

 

Death by overdose has been on the rise within society with each passing year. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants play major roles in healthcare; however, they are also subject to high levels of abuse.

 

• Unnecessary exposure to these drugs must be reduced to ensure this abuse doesn't begin and despite attempts to control this, 3 times the amount of opioids were prescribed in 2015 compared with 1999 (Dowell et al, 2017). Prescribers and pharmacists are monitoring the output of controlled medications through the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). It's a tool that can be used to make clinical decisions, prevent doctor and pharmacy shopping, and analyze prescription filling patterns. However, the system has its mistakes. The PMP does not update in real-time, and it is not accurate when checking for out-of-state fills. The result is fatal to patients.

​

Our goal is to incorporate a method for prescribers to evaluate patients prior to prescribing certain medications. This should include drug testing and psych evaluations. In the event that a disorder is recognized, clinicians should involve and engage patients in need of opioid use disorder treatment (Dowell et al, 2017). 

 

• Simple steps can be taken in the office prior to prescribing any controlled substances. This consists of drug testing, speaking with the patient regarding the use of these substances, and if needed a psych evaluation. These steps can be completed to ensure the patients receiving these medications do not develop a use disorder or abuse the medications.