Characteristics of patients using psychoactive drugs in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

In this study a substantial number of cases were using psychoactive drugs without doctors' advice. Patient education and health awareness sessions may be helpful in preventing inappropriate use of psychotropic drugs.

Self-medications with potential abuse in the Middle East: a systematic literature review

“…Most studies were cross-sectional (CS) in nature except for 1 case series, 2 retrospective case report analyses, 1 prospective study, 1 qualitative study, and 1 case control study. [8][9][10][11]25,27 Most of the studies used self-administered questionnaires or face to face interviews for data collection or mixed data collection techniques.…”

“…[17][18][19]27 Codeine based products 28 , Anabolic steroids 11,14,15 , and cough medications 1,12,28 or laxatives. 1 These OTC medications were identified in different Eastern Mediterranean countries related to different pharmacologic groups in different settings (Table 2).…”

“…17,18 Psychotropic medicines have been reported to be abused for pain, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, and enhancing academic performance or for getting high. [17][18][19]27 Nonmedical users mostly used these drugs for sleeping disturbance to help in sleep or relax, and stimulants to increase alertness. 18,27 Benzodiazepines were commonly cited by pharmacists In Jordan as being abused, as regulations restricting their supply were not always enforced.…”

“…[17][18][19]27 Nonmedical users mostly used these drugs for sleeping disturbance to help in sleep or relax, and stimulants to increase alertness. 18,27 Benzodiazepines were commonly cited by pharmacists In Jordan as being abused, as regulations restricting their supply were not always enforced. 1 Zabihi reported that 44% of people bought benzodiazepine for the purpose of overdose.…”

“…1 Over 46% of study participants in Pakistan reported that they were able to get these drugs easily. 27 Moreover, 56% of patients requesting tramadol did not have a prescription. 23 In 42% of cases the drugs were available in the subject"s home.…”