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Pain pills over-prescribed

The Spokesman-Review

We are constantly hearing about the pharmacy robberies which are now so common. When will doctors and dentists begin to look at their responsibility in flooding our communities with prescriptions for these drugs?

Any amount of real or anticipated pain (even a simple tooth extraction) results in a routine prescription for a high-powered pain medication. These are often not needed, not used and put in the drawer for a later “pain.” An easy find for children in the home to take them to school.

Many receiving these prescriptions have no idea they are headed for massive problems with constipation and an addiction, plus the unnecessary cost to an already overburdened health care system. Please don’t say “you don’t have to fill the prescription.” It’s just not that easy.

Jean Rose

Nine Mile Falls

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