Doctor’s Orders: Use Your Medication As Prescribed

A new study conducted by Quest Diagnostics shows that an overwhelming number of people are misusing their medications as prescribed by their doctors. This study found that 54% of Americans have reported misusing their medications. In 2015, the numbers from 2014, were just slightly lower.

Misusing medication can be taking too much, not enough or none at all. This is extremely dangerous as your doctor has prescribed you this medication for a very specific reason. Not taking enough of your medication can be equally as dangerous as overuse.

Forty-four percent of 10 to 17 year-olds were not taking medication properly in 2015. While the study indicated this statistic was down over previous years, it is still quite staggering. Medications most often misused by this age group include those that treat conditions like ADHD. Adults most often misuse opioids, anxiety and sleep medications.

If you have any questions at all on the medication your doctor has prescribed, please make sure you call their office and speak to them. Misuse of medication can have very lasting effects.