Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 45 CNS Depressants (Sedatives) Central nervous system (CNS) depressants slow down normal brain activity. CNS depressants may cause you to feel relaxed or sleepy, have slowed breathing, feel less tension, and cause you to have feelings of well-being. CNS depressants are commonly used to treat seizure disorders, panic attacks and sleep disorders. Taking higher doses or mixing these drugs with other medications or substances without your prescriber’s supervision can be harmful. Harms can include slowed breathing, reduced heart rate and sometimes even coma or death. Stimulants Stimulants increase activities and processes in the body and are used to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). Stimulants make you feel more alert with more energy, and can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Misuse of stimulants can cause changes in behaviour and mood. Mixing stimulants or taking large amounts with other medications without the supervision of your prescriber can cause heart problems and seizures. Prescription Medication and Dependency Misusing some prescription medications can change the way your body functions.These changes can lead to a tolerance to the drug, both physically (your body needs it) and psychologically (you feel you need it).When you abruptly stop using the drug, you may feel withdrawal symptoms. Even people who take medications as prescribed can feel withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using them. The withdrawal symptoms depend on what the drug is and how long you have been taking it.Your doctor will know how to prevent these symptoms. Ensuring Patient Safety The Pharmaceutical Information Program (PIP) The PIP was introduced in Saskatchewan in 2005. It gives authorized health care providers (such as physicians and pharmacists) confidential access to patient medication records. This program was put in place to improve patient safety. Having access to a patient’s drug history helps health care providers make safe decisions about avoiding prescription duplicates, or prescriptions that may cause harmful drug interactions. PIP also helps health care providers determine the most effective medication treatment when a person is taking several different types of medications. For more information about the PIP, see health.gov.sk.ca/pip. Did you know… Side effects of prescription medications can be made worse when the drugs are not taken as prescribed or are misused. Please talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about your medications. Compared to other countries, Canada ranks second in terms of prescription opioid use, behind the United States. Who can you contact if you need help regarding drug misuse? Contact your local Addictions/Mental Health Services office, doctor or other health care provider if you need more information.To locate Addictions/ Mental Health Services near you here are some options: • visit healthysask.ca; • check the green pages of your phone book for your local health region’s services; • visit HealthLine Online at healthlineonline.ca; or • contact HealthLine at 811 and ask to speak to an Addictions or Mental Health Counsellor. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS continued NOTE:This material is for information only and should not replace advice from an Addictions or Mental Health Counsellor, doctor or other health care provider. To access fact sheet sources please contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health at (306) 787-7239 September 2013 | healthysask.ca | order code DR14
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