Rules for the Sale and Distribution of Vicodin, Xanax and Ritalin - Essay Example

? Regulation of Drugs Vicodin, Xanax and Ritalin The following information shows research on the regulations associated withadministering, distribution and sell of the drugs Vicodin, Xanax, and Ritalin. There are three specific articles including California Law on the specifics of the classifications of the drugs as well as information from the U. S. Department of Justice and the DEA. Additional information also shows a brief history of each drug with requirements and penalties. Each drug is discussed separately along with symptoms and potential for abuse. The conclusion touches briefly on each drug and its future. Keywords: Vicodin, Xanax, Ritalin, Hydrocodone, Alprazolam, Regulation of Drugs Vicodin, Xanex and Ritalin There are many illegal drugs within the United States that are constantly in the headlines as illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroine. These drugs present numerous problems related to drug abuse. However, there are other drugs that are legal prescription drugs that present a growing crisis in the United States. One of these legal drugs is Vicodin. (Drug Rehabs, 2000-2008). The following researched information will show what the regulations are for Vicodin in the United States as well as Xanax and Ritalin. The research will touch briefly on the history of the drugs, the use of the drugs and what the regulations are as far as its sell and distribution. The information will also show how it is classified with the U. S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The drug Vicodin was introduced into the United States in 1943 through approval by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. The drug was first manufactured in Germany as early as 1920. Hydrocodone as it is referred to is commonly used and often an abused drug. It is also referred to as Vicodin, Vikes, Hydro, and Norco. (California Law, (2012). What are its uses? Hydrocodone is basically a pain reliever, but can also be prescribed as a cough suppressant. Its availability is normally in capsule, tablet or syrup form. It is usually mixed with other drugs such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. The mixture is commonly seen in names such as Tylenol or Advil. In most cases the mixture of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen is referred to as Vicodin. (California Law, 2012). It is noted that when the drug Hydrocodone is used in its pure form, it will be listed under the United States “Controlled Substance Act” as a Schedule II drug. However, it is very rarely used in its pure form. When it is mixed with other drugs it is listed under the Schedule III drug classification. Schedule III deals with reduced dosages of the drug. Schedule II drugs are classified as drugs that have a high potential to be abused. They are accepted as being approved for medical use but have specific limitations. They have the potential to lead to severe psychological and/or physical dependence if abused. (California Law, 2012). Schedule III drugs have a reduced potential for abuse since they are reduced dosage or low dosage drugs. They can lead to substantially lower risk of physical dependence or high psychological addiction if abused. Therefore, Schedule I and Schedule II drugs are the most common for abuse and risk of addiction. (California Law, 2012). Hydrocodone is not prescribed to cure pain; it only blocks pain signals sent to the brain temporarily. It is also used as a chronic cough suppressant as well. Hydrocodone is similar to Codeine; however, its strength is much stronger. Its strength has been compared to Morphine and Heroin. It has calming and euphoric effects, which makes it easy to obtain and easily abused. (California Law, 2012). It is noted that the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has recognized its potential for abuse and is considering tighter restrictions on all drugs that contain Hydrocodone, which would be the entire Schedule II, listed as controlled substances. It is also noted that more people die from abuse of legal drugs than illegal drugs. (California Law, 2012). All drugs listed under the (DEA) Schedule I are not acceptable for use in the United States; they may not be prescribed, administered, or given for medical use. (DEA, 2012). The DEA divides the drugs into five schedules, from Schedule I through Schedule V. The complete schedules are “published annually with the DEA, Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 1308.11 through 1308.15.” (DEA, 2012). The drugs are placed into their category according to what is currently accepted for medical use treatment in the United States. This also includes their abuse potential as well as how likely the drugs are to become addictive. (DEA, 2012). The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) requires registration for anyone who handles a controlled substance or may be exempt by regulation from registration. This includes any person or entity involved. The CSA defined a “practitioner” as “a physician, dentist, veterinarian, scientific investigator, pharmacy, hospital, or other person licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted, by the United States or the jurisdiction in which the practitioner practices.” (DEA, 2012). This also includes distribution, dispensing, conducting of research associated with administering, teaching, or analysis while conducting a professional practice or research. It is noted that these registered practices are authorized under state law for the jurisdiction in which the practice is located. (DEA, 2012). It is further noted that when Federal Law and State Law differ, the stronger laws will apply. State laws are normally stronger than Federal Laws, therefore, it is essential that the practitioner or entity know both Federal and State regulations. (DEA, 2012). Practitioners are required to renew their registrations every three years. They will be sent a renewal notice 45 days before the expiration date and the registration can also be completed online. Practitioners who work for hospitals or other entities such as this are required to be registered with the institution and the state. They can only act within their employment related to that hospital or institution. A list of these individuals must be kept with the institution and be made available to other registered practitioners as well as law enforcement upon request. (DEA, 2012). As an example, California Law is very strict for the “possession or purchase of a controlled substance for sale.” (California Law, 2012). A conviction for selling or transporting Vicodin or any other illegal acts under Health and Safety Code 11352 HS will result in a felony. This is punishable by up to four years in state prison and a fine of up to $20,000.00. The severity of this crime does not allow you to take part in a drug diversion program. In an article by Leah Greenbaum in July 2009, an advisory panel recommended that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban both Vicodin and Percocet. The reason for the recommendation included claims that Vicodin in particular causes liver damage when mixed with acetaminophen. (Greenbaum, 2009). As previously noted, Vicodin is a “combination painkiller” because it is Hydrocodone mixed with acetaminophen in this case. There are seven other pain killers that will be banned if the FDA accepts the recommendation including Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Zydone, Tylenol with Codeine, Endocet and Darvocet. (Greenbaum, 2009). Xanax is a depressant or known as Benzodiazepine and is mainly used to treat panic attacks, nerves and tension. Xanax can also be prescribed for depression, agoraphobia, and premenstrual syndrome. (Adictionresearch.com, 2012). It is used to treat the Central Nervous System. It is also known by the name Alprazolam. It is classified under the Schedule IV Substances with the Drug Enforcement Administration. (Addictionresearch.com, 2012). A brief history shows that is has been used since the 1960s as a tranquilizer. Benzodiazepines were strongly opposed to use in the 1970s. Records show that today approximately 3 million Americans have used or do use the drug on a regular basis and have for a length of 12 months. (Addictionsearch.com, 2012). According to the DEA and their five category rating system, Xanax is the lowest likely to be abused or build a dependency on the drug. According to the their information, the substance has the following attributes, low potential for abuse, is accepted for medical use in the US, and if abused may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence. (Addictionsearch.com, 2012). Other drugs in the same classification include Darvon, Talwin, and Equanil. It is noted that Xanax can cause a build up tolerance, which may require larger doses to be administered over time. This causes a dependence on the drug. It is also noted that it is not a drug you want to quit taking without a gradual withdrawal. (Addictionsearch.com, 2012). Discontinuation of the drug should be slow and monitored by a physician. Further information shows that the drug Xanax should not be administered to persons with narrow-angle glaucoma and if you are taking Ketoconazole or Itraconazole. Further indications include a history of drug or alcohol abuse, liver disease, kidney disease, lung or breathing problems or food allergies. It is not recommended for pregnant women either as it can be passed through breast milk. (Anxiety.emedtv.com, 20067- 2012). In a letter to Pfizer, Inc. in August 2011 from the Department of Health and Human Services with the Food and Drug Administration and according to the (FDCA) changes have to be made to the labeling procedures for Xanax and Xanax XR in accordance with the Act. The content of changes have to be made, health care professionals have to be notified, and reporting requirements have to be followed according to strict requirements. (Laughren, 2011). What about ordering online? Through generics, patients have been able to save money ordering online. Many local pharmacies do not have the space to keep generic drugs; therefore, they keep the most profitable Xanax in stock. There are hundreds of legitimate online pharmacies that sell generic Xanax. These are divided into two groups as well, domestic and foreign. Online pharmacies must adhere to regulations as well. The FDA covers online pharmacies in the United States, and these regulations are very stringent. They have to abide by prescriptions, get their drugs from compliant sources, and pass inspections. The FDA has a list of approved online pharmacies at its website. These will be the most expensive drugs for Xanax. Xanax is technically unable to be ordered anywhere but the US; however, it can be obtained outside the US from foreign pharmacies. Their respective country, such as Health Canada also regulates these. (Generic Xanax, 2012). Many prescriptions make it into the US from foreign countries each year, as generic Xanax is much cheaper. The most reputable countries include Australia, New Zealand, Barbados, Israel, Mexico, India, and Jamaica in addition to the United States. (Generic Xanax, 2012). Information from Pet Place by Dr. Nicholas Dodman.shows that behavioral disorders in dogs and cats can also require the use of Xanax (Alprazolam). Veterinarians have to adhere to the same regulations for administering the drug as other practitioners and entities. It is used to treat anxiety in animals, thunderstorm phobias, situational fears and separation anxiety. It is supplied to animals from .25 mg up to 2 mg tablets. (Petplace.com, 1999-2012). In February 2007 the FDA issued a warning pertaining to buying Xanax as well as other prescription drugs online. Some individuals who ordered Ambien, Xanax, Lexapro, and Ativan received a drug that contained Haloperidol, which is a strong anti-psychotic drug. This prompted the warning for consumers to first review the FDA website before ordering online. (fda.gov, 2007). Ritalin is a stimulant drug used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or (ADHD). It can also be used to treat narcolepsy. The drug is also called Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. Ritalin falls into the classification of Schedule II drugs for the DEA, which are highly addictive drugs. Other drugs that fall into this category are Morphine, Codeine and Opium. The drug is not recommended for young children under the age of six. Ritalin is sometimes used for “off-label” reasons, which can include adult ADHD, weight loss, or the treatment of depression. Before the drug can be administered, the patient must be age seven, and symptoms must affect school, work or social life. (Monson; Schoenstadt; 2006-2012). Ritalin is a stimulant; however, it can have the opposite effect as another stimulant such as caffeine. It produces a calming effect when dosage is given for ADHD. Ritalin is also used for symptoms of narcolepsy. Symptoms include uncontrollably falling asleep during the day, appearing paralyzed while asleep and hallucinations when falling asleep. The drug has a stimulating effect when taken in higher doses. (Monson; Schoenstadt, 2006-2012). Scientist experimented on lab rats decades ago using natural stimulants including Ephedrine and Caffeine. By 1950 Ritalin was used to treat Mohr’s Syndrome, which involves an enlarged roof of the mouth and forked tongue. Later, because of its calming effects, it was used to treat ADHD and ADD. It was not until 1980 that ADHD was acknowledged as a childhood illness. Norvartis is the main manufacturer of the drug and is located in the United States. It has a history of severe side effects including suicidal thoughts and death. Norvartis faced many lawsuits in the 80s and 90s regarding the side effects. (Willets, 2008). It is frequently used in the United Kingdom, Germany and a small percentage of other European countries; however, it is used most often in the United States. Sweden has banned the drug. (Willets, 2008). The Federal Laws governing Special Education determine the use of Ritalin in the United States in regard to public education. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) of 1997, Section 504 of the Act of 1973, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 stipulate the regulation for publicly educated children. (Ritalindeath.com, 2012). Other legislation-governing children using Ritalin include the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1998 as well as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. (Ritalindeath.com, 2012). Connecticut passed a law in 2001 that prohibits teachers, counselors and any school official from recommending psychiatric drugs for any child. This goes one step further in preventing over diagnosing drugs to children. However, it does not prevent the school from recommending evaluation by a medical doctor for the child. (Ritalin and Law, 2001). Vicodin is “structurally related to Codeine and is approximately equal in strength to Morphine in producing opiate-like effects.” (Drug Rehabs, 2000-2008). It was first recognized in 1923 that Vicodin produces symptoms of addiction. The first report of Vicodin addition was published in 1961 in the United States. Research shows that in 1998 56 million new prescriptions were written for Hydrocodone, Vicodin and similar drugs. By the year 2000 the number had grown to 89 million. (Drug Rehabs, 2000-2008). Xanax as well as Ritalin continue to be controversial drugs that require constant monitoring by the DEA. The information has shown that each drug has its own classification and legal requirements for use by practitioners. Xanax is shown as one of the drugs with a lower potential for abuse. Ritalin has been classified as the highest potential drug for addictive abuse among the three we have research. Since this drug is administered primarily to children, Federal, State, and DEA regulations closely monitor it. References Addiction Search. 2012. Information and Research on Xanax abuse, addiction, withdrawal and Treatment. Web. 28 March 2012. http://addictionsearch.com/. Buy Generic Xanax and Save Money on Anxiety Meds. 2012. Web. 28 March 2012. http://genericxanax.name/. California Law: illegal selling or possession of vicodin/hydrocodone. 2012. California Drug Laws Involving Hydrocodone (“Vicodin”). Web. 28 March 2012. http://shouselaw.com/. Death from Ritalin, The Truth Behind ADHA. Federal Laws Governing Special Education Law. 2012. Web. 28 March 2012. http://ritalindeath.com/. Dodman, Nicholas, Dr. 1999-2012. Alprazolam (Xanax). Web. 28 March 2012. http://petplace.com/. Drug Rehabs. 2000-2008. Vicodin Addiction. Web. 28 March 2012. http://drug-rehabs.com/. Greenbaum, Leah. 02 July 2009. FDA Panel Votes to Ban Vicodin, Tightens Regulations on OTC Meds. Web. 28 March 2012. http://lifescript.com/health/news/. Laughren, Thomas, MD. 07 2011. Department of Health and Human Services. Reference ID: 3004871. Web. 28 March 2012. http://accessdata.fda.gov/. Law limits Ritalin recommendations. 17 July 2001. Web. 28 March 2012. http://home.honolulu.hawaii.edu/. Monson, Kristi, PharmD; Schoenstadt, Arthur, MD. 2006-2012. What is Ritalin Used For? Web. 28 March 2012. http://adhd.emedtv.com/ritalin/. Monson, Kristi, PharmD; Schoenstadt, MD. 2006-2012. Xanax Warnings and Precautions. Web. 28 March 2012. http://anxiety.emedtv.com/xanax/. U. S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. 2012. Office of Diversion Control, Information and Legal Resources. Web. 28 March 2012. http://deadiversion.usdoj.gov/. U. S. Food & Drug Administration. 16 February 2007. Audience: Consumers and Healthcare Professions, Xanax (alprazolam). Web. 28 March 2012. http://fda.gov/. Willets, Susan. The History of Ritalin (Methylphenidate). 12 September 2008. 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