October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.   I and other pharmacists need to educate the public about how people abuse prescription drugs.  Most people think of drug abuse in terms of illicit (illegal) or “street” drugs.  The truth is that our biggest problem now is with prescription drugs.  Sometimes abuse of prescription drugs leads to use of illegal drugs. 

          Each day this month, I will provide information about drugs that are commonly abused by people, sometimes without them knowing that they are abusing them. Today October 1, 2013, I will start with a drug commonly known by its brand name, Ambien.  The generic name for Ambien is zolpidem. 

          Ambien (zolpidem) is usually prescribed for people who are having sleep problems.  This medication should only be used for short term therapy.  It is not intended to be used for months or years.  Many people and some physicians are not aware of the recommendation for SHORT TERM USE ONLY.  People who continue to take this mediation for extended periods of time are highly likely to abuse this medication or even become addicted to it.  Below is an excerpt from Pharmacy One Source regarding recommended prescribing guidelines for Ambien (zolpidem).

 [The maximum recommended dose is 10 mg per day. Duration of therapy is generally 7 to 10 days. Administration for longer than 5 weeks is not recommended.]