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Psychotropic Medications and Substances of Abuse Interactions in Youth

NCJ Number
230012
Journal
Substance Abuse Volume: 31 Issue: 1 Dated: Janaury-March 2010 Pages: 53-57
Author(s)
Yifrah Kaminer, M.D., M.B.A.; Pablo Goldberg, M.D.; Daniel F. Connor, M.D.
Date Published
January 2010
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study conducted a systematic literature search to evaluate the potential interactive adverse effects between psychotropic medications and drugs of abuse in youth.
Abstract
The majority of youth with substance use disorders (SUDs) manifest one or more co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Consequently, many of these youths are being prescribed with psychotropic medications. As prescribing rates continue to increase for early-onset psychiatric disorders, potential risk for substance of abuse-psychiatric medication interactions may be enhanced. Because this type of drug-drug interaction has received little attention in the scientific literature, the authors conducted a systematic literature search examining the potential interactive adverse effects between psychotropic medications and substances of abuse in youth. Regardless of the scarcity of psychotropic medications-substance of abuse interactions found, it is important to stay vigilant due to the continued introduction of new classes of medications as well as the ever-changing map of street drugs. Table and references (Published Abstract)