Any misuse of prescription CNS depressants — even unintentional misuse — can be harmful. Here’s what you can do to avoid misuse:

• Honestly and completely answer all your doctor’s or other healthcare professional's questions about medical history, allergies and other medications, including over-the-counter medicines, that you take.

• Ask your doctor or other healthcare professional what effects and side effects to expect.

• Tell your doctor or other healthcare professional about any unexpected reactions.

• Always follow the directions of your prescription. Never change the dosage or frequency of use on your own.
  IMPORTANT: Once you’ve started taking a prescription CNS depressant, DO NOT STOP taking the medication unless you have an okay from the doctor or other healthcare professional.

• Never use your prescription medications to treat illnesses, pain or injuries other than for which it was prescribed.

• Until you are familiar with the effects of your medication, do not drive or use machinery.

• Never share your prescription medication with anyone.

• Keep your prescription medication in a safe place where no one else can use it by mistake.

• Do not use CNS depressants with alcohol, prescription opioid analgesics, or over-the-counter cold and allergy medications unless your doctor or healthcare professional is advising you to do so.

PAINFULLY OBVIOUS® — When you take a prescription CNS depressant, or any prescription medication, you have a responsibility to use it the way your doctor has told you to use it. Misusing prescription CNS depressants, even if the misuse is unintentional, is dangerous, and can be deadly. If a depressant is prescribed for you, follow the prescription and the doctor’s directions exactly. Any other way is misuse, and misuse of CNS depressants is extremely unsafe.   Avoiding Misuse Getting Help Abuse

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