Description
The current epidemic of drug overdose deaths has many causes. Attention has been focused on the abuse of opioids and CNS stimulants, but other categories of drugs have contributed to the crisis. This continuing education activity will review the abuse and misuse of drugs which are less frequently considered and less tightly regulated than the opioids and stimulants, which pose risks especially when combined with or substituted for other controlled substances. Specifically, this activity will discuss controlled and non-scheduled prescription drugs (gabapentinoids and carisoprodol), OTC drugs (loperamide and dextromethorphan), and a veterinary drug (xylazine). The evolution of their regulatory control will also be considered. Pharmacists are the point of contact for the dispersal of these agents and should be aware of the risk of abuse.