Numbers abusing over the counter meds rising
By donegalnews.com
THE number of people being treated at a Donegal rehabilitation centre for addiction to prescription and over the counter painkillers is on the rise, its Director of Clinical Services has revealed.
Stephen McLaughlin, Director of Clinical Services at White Oaks Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Muff said he would be in favour of seeing the introduction of stricter controls put in place around the availability and access of over the counter pain relief medication.
He was speaking to the Donegal News in the wake of the broadcasting of ‘Medication Nation’ on RTE1, which uncovered how people in Ireland now spend €1.8 million every year on pills.
The hard-hitting documentary, presented by Dr Eva Orsmond, revealed the extent of Ireland’s growing dependence on over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Dr Osmond revealed there are twice as many pharmacies in Ireland than in Britain. In 2015, almost 75 million pills were consumed in Ireland, the programme revealed.
Mr McLaughlin said those who present at the centre with an addiction to prescription or over the counter medication are also often battling other substance misuse addictions.
“Undoubtedly, there has been a noticeable increase in those who are abusing prescription meds whether benzodiazepines or other pain meds. Often it is those who already have addiction issues with alcohol or other drugs.
“Over the last three to four years we have seen an increase in the number of people we are treating here for codeine branded medication and benzos in general.
“Some of those abusing prescription meds are very creative in being able to access them. Their addiction certainly is as challenging as addcition to other substances and it’s complicated by the relative acceptability of using something with a label on it.”
Mr McLaughlin said the availability of over the counter painkillers and their wide accessibility can prove problematic.
“The addiction to over the counter medication is a very difficult one, not least because of the sheer availability of the drugs. I think because the drugs come in standard, recognised labels and are sold in pharmacies, people can unwittingly become dependent because they believe them to be safe. It is only after a while when they ease off they will start to experience withdrawal symptoms, and at that stage they are hooked.
“Quite often people will travel around different pharmacies to obtain painkillers because they don’t want to get noticed and be refused.”
Mr McLaughlin said he would be in favour of exploring the potential of the introduction of more rigid requirements put in place to combat the problem.
“A stricter control requires a coordinated approach with pharmacists and GPs. There may be a need to put them (the drugs) under some form of control. There may be the need to revisit the issue,” he said.
Source: http://donegalnews.com/2017/02/numbers-abusing-counter-meds-rising/
Friday, June 5, 2026
Xenical Orlistat Article
xenical orlistat often works best when patients understand not only what problem it treats, but also what daily habits keep treatment steady. Clinicians prescribe it for patients working on long term weight reduction with diet change. Benefit often builds through repeat use rather than one perfect dose. That makes education important, because people who know what to expect are less likely to stop too early or use it inconsistently. Medicine specific overview at https://lucasclinic.com/weight-loss/xenical-orlistat/ can help patients start with clearer expectations. That matters because confusion around schedule, interactions, or treatment goals often creates avoidable setbacks. Practical habits support safer use. Patients should know exact dose, timing instructions, and what to do when schedule is interrupted. Written notes and family support can be especially helpful during busy weeks, travel, or recovery from illness. Patients should also remember that treatment sits inside weight management, not in isolation. Sleep, diet, hydration, activity, and underlying conditions can shape how well plan works. That is why follow up visits should review whole pattern rather than one symptom in a vacuum. Follow through after prescription also matters. Refills should be planned before bottles run low, symptom notes should be brought to visits, and any major change in routine should be mentioned early. Many medication problems are easier to fix when clinician hears about them after first week of trouble rather than after several months of guessing. Patients should not wait passively through every symptom. Problems such as persistent abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, or vitamin deficiency concerns should trigger review, especially after dose changes or when other medicines have been added to treatment plan. Broader context for this treatment area is available at https://lucasclinic.com/weight-loss/. Category level reading helps patients see where medicine fits among related therapies, common precautions, and longer term follow up themes. When patients stay consistent and communicate clearly, this medicine has better chance to deliver benefit with fewer avoidable complications.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)