Check for Understanding

Let’s look at some example questions to check for your understanding of the content.

Question 1. All of the following are examples of medication misuse, except:

Skipping doses
Doubling up or taking an extra pill
Taking your meds at the same time as other drugs, such as alcohol, or marijuana
Taking a pill by mouth
Snorting or smoking your meds
Borrowing a pill from a friend who has the same or similar prescription.

Answer: Taking a pill by mouth.

Some common types of misuse include:

Taking Less
Taking More
Substance Mixing
Taking by Alternative Route
Taking Someone Else’s Rx
Trying to Get High

Question 2: Kyle asks Kevin, a student prescribed a stimulant for A.D.H.D., for some of his medication before midterms. Kevin might be concerned that Kyle could experience any of the following side effects associated with prescription stimulant use, except:

Irritability
Sleepiness
Irregular heartbeat
Weight loss
Insomnia

Answer: Sleepiness. Sleepiness is generally not an associated side effect of prescription stimulants, although all the others are.

Question 3: Jerome has a few opioid painkillers left after a surgery. He offers one to his friend Tyson. Tyson turns down the offer, knowing he could experience any of the following side effects associated with prescription opioid use, except:

Drowsiness
Increased energy and sleeplessness
High risk of dependency with continued use
Nausea
Constipation

The answer is: Increased energy and sleeplessness. Increased energy is generally not an associated side effect of prescription opioids. Drowsiness, risk of dependency, nausea, and constipation are all side effects associated with prescription opioids.

Question 4: Kerry is prescribed a depressant for anxiety. She offers some to Jillian to help her sleep, but Jillian decides to take it to calm her nerves before a party. Using medication you aren’t prescribed is risky for any purpose. The following are risks Jillian might face associated with depressant misuse, except:

Sleepiness and lack of coordination would make driving to or from the party both dangerous and illegal
Mixing with alcohol or other medications could further slow heart rate and breathing, reducing oxygen to the brain and organs, while Jillian appears to be sleeping
Confusion and poor concentration could inhibit Jillian’s personal safety as she interacts with people she doesn’t know
An increased heart rate and paranoia could cause a panic attack or temporary psychosis in a crowded setting.

The answer is: an increased heart rate and paranoia. They are generally not associated side effects of prescription depressants. Sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and slowed heart rate and breathing are side effects associated with prescription depressants.