A Close Call: Managing Opioid Risks After a Medication Mix-Up
Recently, an alarming incident occurred at a well-known supermarket pharmacy that has prompted me to reflect on the importance of vigilance in medication management, especially for individuals like myself who are recovering from opioid addiction.
In a shocking turn of events, I was mistakenly dispensed 14 tablets of 50mg Tramadol, an opioid painkiller, instead of the SSRI Trazodone that I take for insomnia. Although the packaging was marked clearly with the name Trazodone, the contents were anything but what I expected. This oversight could have had dire consequences for my recovery journey, particularly considering my history following a severe car accident in Germany that left me grappling with addiction.
The discovery of this error was not made by me, but rather by my mother while I was in the process of organizing my medications. The appearance of pills can vary significantly, which is why this inconsistency didn’t immediately raise any flags for me. Had I consumed even a couple of these tablets, the potential for relapse would have been substantial, given my current opioid-naive status. The reality of opioid addiction is that temptation can become overwhelming, often surfacing like a frantic scream when faced with triggers.
Upon reporting the issue to the pharmacy, I sensed the urgency in the voice of the representative on the other end of the line. Rather than connecting me with the pharmacist directly, she indicated that she needed to consult with the pharmacy manager. Subsequently, a meeting was scheduled for two days later, which only heightened my anxiety regarding the situation.
When I inquired about returning or disposing of the Tramadol, I was informed that the pills needed to be brought intact to the upcoming meeting. While I have made significant strides in managing my recovery through therapy, the presence of the pills in my home has been a source of immense stress.
I can’t shake the feeling that the pharmacy may be attempting to protect itself from legal ramifications by having me sign some sort of waiver, especially given that Tramadol is a controlled substance and my status as a recovering addict could raise additional concerns. Compounding this worry is the fact that Tramadol has known serious interactions with other medications I take, including benzodiazepines, which I rely on due to epilepsy resulting from my past injury.
To ensure I have support navigating this complex situation, I reached out to a former keyworker from my recovery clinic, who has kindly agreed to accompany me to the
No Responses