What is a prescription drug?
The prescription drug can only be purchased from the pharmacy with the written prescription of a certified physician. Therefore it is also known as a controlled substance. According to Virginia law, the prescription drugs are classified as schedules in accordance with the drug control act. The drugs and few substances which are used in making those drugs are divided into 5 major schedules or classification, depending on the medical use of the drug and its potential of being abused. However, Alcohol and tobacco are not included in the definition of controlled substances.
What do you mean by “prescription drug abuse”?
Prescription drug abuse is a term used for the action of an individual where he/ she takes a prescribed drug of another individual and uses it without the doctor’s consultation, such as changing the initial dosage or the manner of taking the drug.
Why is it illegal to take a drug prescribed for someone else?
It is illegal and harmful to take a drug which was prescribed to another individual as it can possess harmful elements which only a certified physician knows. Taking drugs intentionally in a wrong manner without a proper prescription is illegal according to the Virginia law code section 18.2-250. There are many examples of different types of drugs and their reaction in bodies.
The most commonly abused painkiller have
- Percocet,
- OxyContin
- Demerol
This medicine might help in pain reduction but they can cause drowsiness and can even decrease the breathing.
The most commonly abused depressants have
- Valium
- Ambien
- Xanax
This medicine might help in reducing the depression and but they can cause drowsiness and they can even leave you confused to the level of shallow breathing.
The most commonly abused stimulants have
- Ritalin
- Dexedrine
- Adderall
This medicine can have the following aftereffects
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Tremors
- Irregular heartbeat
- High body temperature
- Heart attacks
- Tiredness
- Depression
The most commonly abused OTC drug is
- Dextromethorphan
This medicine can have the following aftereffects
- Impaired motor functioning
- Impaired mental functioning
- Numbness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Hallucination
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure.
The prescription drug laws of Virginia
According to the Virginia law code, the state has designed Requirements for prescriptions law, 54.1-3408.01
These requirements will have the following prescriber details:
“The written prescription referred to in § 54.1-3408 shall be written with ink or individually typed or printed. The prescription shall contain the name, address, and telephone number of the prescriber. A prescription for a controlled substance other than one controlled in Schedule VI shall also contain the federal controlled substances registration number assigned to the prescriber. The prescriber’s information shall be either preprinted upon the prescription blank, electronically printed, typewritten, rubber stamped, or printed by hand.”
These requirements will have the following patient details:
“The written prescription shall contain the first and last name of the patient for whom the drug is prescribed. The address of the patient shall either be placed upon the written prescription by the prescriber or his agent, or by the dispenser of the prescription. If not otherwise prohibited by law, the dispenser may record the address of the patient in an electronic prescription dispensing record for that patient in lieu of recording it on the prescription. Each written prescription shall be dated as of, and signed by the prescriber on, the day when issued. The prescription may be prepared by an agent for the prescriber’s signature.”