Polypharmacy Among Prescription Drug Users

Abstract

Polypharmacy, i.e., the misuse of multiple prescription drugs or prescription medication with other substances, is highly problematic. Whether unintentional or deliberate, misuse of multiple drugs can lead to adverse effects including addiction; drug-drug interactions; and overdose, potentially resulting in death. Polypharmacy is not uncommon; almost 84 percent of prescription drug misusers receiving substance abuse treatment in Indiana reported using at least one additional substance, most commonly alcohol or marijuana.