Many patients are first exposed to prescription drugs after a severe injury or surgery that requires a stronger form of medication than those available over-the-counter. Some patients become accustomed to the relief they experience and continue to take prescription medications although they don’t need them. Prolonged use can lead to the development of a dependence or addiction. Because the body becomes reliant on the prescription medications to manage pain, it can be difficult to identify overuse. Being able to recognize the warning signs enables analysis of a patient’s behavior in determining if they are developing an addiction to prescription drugs.
Physical Signs
A physician is most likely to observe physical symptoms when examining the patient for a possibly unrelated reason. The potency of prescription drugs once the patient becomes addicted can cause a change in respiratory and cardiovascular functioning. Some patients experience a decreased respiration rate or low blood pressure, causing them to breathe at a slower rate. Other patients experience an increased heart rate. In either case, the patient’s heartbeat may appear to be irregular. During an examination, a physician may notice that the patient has involuntary rapid eye movement or that their pupils are dilated. Constipation and unexplained weight loss may also occur as a result of unadvised or prolonged use of prescription drugs.
Mood-Related Signs
While under the influence of prescription drugs, the patient may appear confused or disoriented. Some patients develop an unsteady gait, finding it difficult to walk straight or maintain balance. Many patients experience extreme disruption to their sleeping habits. A patient may begin to sleep more or less and often appears drowsy. Their energy levels may fluctuate causing them to appear unusually energetic or sedated. When not taking the drug or when trying to obtain the drug, patients are often highly irritable or agitated. Patients with severe addictions often become depressed or exhibit feelings of sadness or despair.
Behavioral Signs
Most noticeable are behavioral changes related to the prescription drug. Patients will begin to exhibit poor judgment or decision making because they are so focused on maintaining their addiction. These changes may start as mild—for example, taking more than the prescribed dose or taking the drug at times when symptoms don’t appear to be occurring. Prescription drug addicts will often contact their doctor with claims of losing their prescription and request a replacement. When their physician refuses to provide one, they will “shop” for a new physician who will provide them with one. Patients with severe addictions may go so far as to steal, forge or purchase a prescription from another patient. Mood swings, particularly when being questioned about their addiction or use of the drug, are often common.
