Jackson’s Doctor Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter
Dr. Conrad Murray, personal physician to Michael Jackson, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the pop star’s death last summer.
Dr. Conrad Murray, personal physician to Michael Jackson, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the pop star’s death last summer.
Michael Jackson’s death has made the drug propofol—a powerful anesthesia usually only used in hospital settings—a household name, but it has also raised awareness of the growing problem of propofol abuse among doctors and nurses.
By Laura Sack
It’s finals week. But somehow that week extends itself into the prior week’s weekend, probably farther. It’s Saturday morning. Waking up early to ensure a table with coveted plug access on my favorite floor of the library is already losing its allure. Good news is my backpack is already packed from last night’s studying…but it needs to be restocked for today’s studying agenda. Textbooks? Check. Laptop? Check. Pens, pencils, notebooks, calculator, wallet, computer charger? Check. Adderall? Swallow. … Continue Reading
Journalist Joshua Lyon, who was once addicted to prescription medications, tells his story and investigates the phenomenon of online pharmacies in his book, Pill Head: The Secret Life of a Painkiller Addict. Featured on NPR, Lyon’s book chronicles his struggles with prescription painkiller addiction.
By Colin Gilbert
After surviving a severe car accident two years ago, Sharon underwent a series of surgeries to repair broken bones in her arms and torso. To reduce pain during her long recovery process, her doctor prescribed a moderate dose of the opioid painkiller oxycodone.
The medicine helped Sharon tremendously, but after the prescription expired, she noticed the pain returning. Medical tests showed no further need for surgery, and, because of oxycodone’s notoriety for being addictive, her doctor was hesitant to renew her prescription at the same dose. Instead, he wrote her a prescription for a reduced dose, planning on gradually weaning her off. Unfortunately, the pain did not subside. It seemed to Sharon like only the original dose would end her misery.
Medications have expiration dates – just like food. And, just like food, when the medication is past the expiration date, it’s not supposed to be used. To do so may prove not only bad for you, it just might kill you.
About Expiration Dates
The expiration date on medication means that it is safe to use (by the person for whom it was prescribed, and then only taken as prescribed) until the expiration date. This assumes, however, that the medicine is stored under the proper conditions of light, temperature and moisture. If it isn’t stored correctly, in direct sunlight, left in the glove compartment of your car, out in the freezing cold, etc., it will likely be ineffective before the expiration date. … Continue Reading
By Leslie Thompson
Klonopin is a very popular prescription drug used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures. Commonly known by its generic name clonazepam, klonopin is part of a group of psychoactive drugs in the benzodiazepine family. Benzodiazepine drugs are some of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States in part because of their tranquilizing effect. When taken correctly and as prescribed, benzodiazepine drugs are highly effective in rapidly reversing agitation and are often used for the short-term treatment of severe anxiety. However, recent years have shown that prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and klonopin is commonly abused.
By Leslie Thompson
Vicodin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs used to relieve moderate to severe pain. A combination of hydrocodone bitrate (a synthetic codeine) and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol®), Vicodin is usually found in tablet form and is taken on an as-needed, short-term basis as prescribed by one’s doctor. This medication works by interacting with receptors in the brain and the spinal chord, essentially halting nerve impulses that indicate pain throughout the body. Once this communication ceases, the user experiences a euphoric feeling, which relaxes the body and relieves pain.
Xanax is a brand name of alprazolam, a quick-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class used to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders, tension, and panic attacks. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substance act, as users can become addicted after using for after only eight weeks. Patients with a history of alcoholism and drug abuse are at a particularly high risk for misusing and becoming dependent on Xanax.
By Susan J. Campbell
Known as the trade name for the generic alprazolam, Xanax is a short-acting drug from the benzodiazepine class and is used to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders and panic attacks, as well as in conjunction with other medications when treating anxiety associated with depression. In the extended release formula, it is also offered as Xanax XR and both forms are available generically. … Continue Reading
