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Warning to consumers about recreational use of medicinesWarning to consumers about recreational use of medicines
July 2009
The National Prescribing Service (NPS) warns people are playing Russian roulette with their health when they take medicines inappropriately.
Media reports this week about people mixing sleeping tablet, zolpidem (Stilnox), with energy drink Red Bull™ have failed to highlight the risks people are taking when they intentionally misuse pharmaceuticals.
NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes says people should ensure they know the risks and benefits of any medicine before taking it.
“All medicines have potential side effects and should only be used for the purpose in which they have been prescribed,” Dr Weekes said.
Zolpidem is a prescription medicine that is used to initiate and maintain sleep in those with sleeping difficulties. It has a number of common side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache and muscle weakness. It has also been associated with reports of unusual and potentially dangerous behaviours during sleep.
The consumer medicine information for Stilnox, which is written by the manufacturer, clearly states that Stilnox should not be taken if you have been drinking alcohol and it should not be given to people under the age of 18.
“I strongly advise anyone who has been, or is thinking about, using any medicine for recreational purposes to read the consumer medicine information leaflet and think about the ramifications it may have on their health,” Dr Weekes said.
“There are many sources for information about medicines including your pharmacist or GP, the NPS website and our publications.”
“Health professionals should also be aware of patients who may ask specifically for Stilnox following these latest media reports and ensure patients understand the purpose for which the medicine has been prescribed,” Dr Weekes warned.
Consumer medicine information leaflets can be viewed at www.nps.org.au/search_by_medicine_name
Additional information about zolpidem is available in the December 2008 edition of Australian Prescriber in “Hypnotic hazards: adverse effects of zolpidem and other z-drugs” by Professor LG Olson.
To view the article visit www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/31/6/146/9/
ENDS
The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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Date published: 2009-07-29 19:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
