Ch 15: Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs
About This Chapter
Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are substances intended to cure, treat or prevent diseases. In this chapter, we take a closer look at both types of drugs. You'll learn how to differentiate between prescription and OTC drugs, discover how they are approved and explore various types of OTC pain relievers. The video lessons also examine how you might know if someone is dependent upon prescription drugs and the ways people transition from using to abusing drugs.
Lesson quizzes are available to test your comprehension of the covered topics and terminology. You can also ask an instructor if you have any questions about this chapter. The lessons will help you understand the following:
- Differences between prescription and OTC drugs
- Procedures by the FDA to approve drugs
- Safety concerns of prescription drugs
- Patterns of prescription drug use
- How to access prescription drug use prevention and treatment programs
| Lesson | Objective |
|---|---|
| Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Drugs | Learn how to differentiate between OTC and prescription drugs. |
| How the FDA Approves New Drugs | Analyze the present-day procedures for approving new prescription drugs to be available as OTC drugs. |
| Types of OTC Analgesic Drugs | Study the various types of OTC analgesic drugs. |
| Safety Concerns of Prescription Drugs | Explore safety issues with respect to prescription drugs. |
| Patterns of Prescription Drug Abuse | Examine prescription drug use, abuse, tolerance, withdrawal and overdose patterns. |
| Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Dependence | Take a closer look at general warning signs and symptoms that may indicate someone is at risk for prescription drug dependence. |
| Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment Programs | Learn about prevention and treatment programs for prescription drug abuse. |
1. Prescription vs Over-the-Counter Drugs
Abbreviations abound in medicine! In this lesson, we'll explore the differences between OTC and Rx medications. In other words, we'll look at the differences between over-the-counter medications and those purchased with a prescription.
2. How the FDA Approves New Drugs
In this lesson, you'll meet Nancy the Nose Spray and learn about the long journey she must take - from her birth to her early years as a fledgling prescription drug, and finally to a seasoned, over-the-counter medication.
3. Types of OTC Analgesic Drugs
When you're in pain, nothing matters except this: how to make the pain stop. In this lesson, learn the purposes and side effects of various types of over-the-counter pain medications. Then, the next time you're hurting, you'll know which one to buy!
4. Safety Concerns of Prescription Drugs
In this lesson we'll be examining the negative side of prescription drugs. Although most of us are familiar with their benefits in treating disease, these drugs also have negative side effects. In this lesson we'll examine the issues of side effects, non-adherence to medication, and the possibility of addiction.
5. Patterns of Prescription Drug Abuse
In this lesson, learn important terminology related to prescription drug abuse. Explore the many social, physical, and psychological aspects related to this type of abuse.
6. Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Dependence
In this lesson, we'll learn about the three main types of abused prescription drugs: opiates, anti-anxiety medications and stimulants. We'll look at the symptoms of drug dependence and the signs of abuse.
7. Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment Programs
This lesson looks at prescription drug abuse. After defining it, we'll talk about its prevalence, prevention, and treatment programs, including new efforts.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Substance Abuse course
- Introduction to Substance Abuse
- Alcohol
- Tobacco & Nicotine
- Psychomotor Stimulants
- Cannabinoids
- Hallucinogens
- Anti-anxiety & Sedative Hypnotics
- Antipsychotic Drugs, Antidepressants & Mood Stabilizers
- Lesser Known Drugs that Are Abused
- Pharmacological & Neurophysiological Principles
- Classification of Drugs
- Inhaled Substances
- Opioids
- Anabolic Steroids