Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
05:10
Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
[Emergent drugs (II): the Pharming phenomenon]
G Burillo-Putze1, A Aldea-Perona, C Rodríguez-Jiménez
1Universidad Europea de Canarias, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud, Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España. gburillo@telefonica.net
Anales Del Sistema Sanitario De Navarra
|May 8, 2013
Summary
Young people are increasingly misusing prescription and over-the-counter medications recreationally. This trend, including dextromethorphan and methylphenidate abuse, demands greater medical attention due to rising emergency room visits and potential for serious harm.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Recreational medicine misuse by adolescents is a growing concern, often overlooked by healthcare professionals.
- In the USA, 20% of adolescents have used medications recreationally, with medicine abuse ED visits surpassing those for illicit drugs.
- Spanish surveys indicate a 3.1-8.6% non-medical use rate, highlighting a significant public health issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the patterns and risks associated with the recreational use of medicines among young populations.
- To identify commonly misused medications and their potential for abuse and diversion.
- To emphasize the need for increased medical awareness and intervention regarding adolescent medicine misuse.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on adolescent medicine misuse.
- Analysis of reported cases and survey data concerning specific drug classes.
- Examination of trends in emergency department visits and illicit market diversion.
Main Results:
- Dextromethorphan (over-the-counter) and methylphenidate (prescription stimulant) are frequently misused.
- Methylphenidate is used as a cocaine substitute and is widely diverted.
- Opioids (fentanyl, oxycodone, buprenorphine) and other substances like modafinil and propofol show increasing potential for abuse and diversion.
Conclusions:
- The recreational use of medicines by adolescents is a serious issue with significant health implications.
- Diversion of prescription medications, particularly stimulants and opioids, poses a substantial risk.
- Increased vigilance, reporting, and intervention strategies are crucial to address this public health challenge.
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