Everything's Under Control Trivia Quiz

Answer: No

Cocaine is an amazing dual-action drug. Not only is it a central nervous system stimulant (which is why people often abuse it), but it is also a powerful anesthetic. In fact, it is the only naturally occurring anesthetic. Medical professionals sometimes use cocaine for its anesthetic properties in procedures involving the eyes, nose, or throat, but its use is becoming more rare: due to its cost and toxic effects, and since the red tape surrounding its production and use can complicate matters (it is actually a schedule II controlled substance), many practitioners try to use alternatives whenever possible.

Answer: Form 222

Schedule II drugs ... Form 222 ... coincidence?

DEA Form 41 is used when destroying expired or unneeded drugs from schedules III, IV, and V. DEA Form 106 should be filled out when controlled substances have been lost or stolen. And of course, IRS form 1040 is a tax form.

Answer: Both

Both drugs are on schedule V. Lyrica is frequently prescribed for nerve pain. Patients with certain types of seizures may benefit from Vimpat. The last time I handled Vimpat oral solution (drawing it into oral syringes and disposing of the excess with a witness present), the solution's scent was tantalizing - sweet, creamy fruit candy with smooth, mild vanilla.

Not exactly a deterrent for a controlled substance. Liquid and chewable drugs should be palatable, but not delicious!

Answer: Hypnotics-sedatives

Their sole purpose is to induce sleep. They are not in the same chemical families as opioids, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines, so they are usually classified as sedatives or hypnotics.

Answer: Morphine

The MS in MS Contin stands for morphine sulfate. Its extended-release oxycodone counterpart is the well-known OxyContin. Random tidbit: Kadian 30 mg capsules are bright purple.

Answer: No schedule - it is not a controlled substance

Librax is an interesting example of a combination drug being unscheduled, while one of its components is on schedule IV. Compare and contrast the control schedules of other combinations such as Talwin-NX, Suboxone, Tylenol #3, Donnatal, Fioricet, Lomotil, Hydromet, and cough syrups containing varying concentrations of codeine. Some of these combinations contain a "deterrent" ingredient to reduce or prevent abuse of the controlled ingredient.

Librax is sometimes given to patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The Librium component helps reduce stress and anxiety, while the clidinium controls gastrointestinal spasms.

Answer: Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a powerful narcotic analgesic and anesthetic, often used in surgery.

The other three are stimulants, prescribed for (among other things) narcolepsy. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, Adderall is a brand name for mixed amphetamine salts, and modafinil (the only schedule IV among the answer choices) is marketed as Provigil. I have heard that Provigil is the most commonly abused drug among medical students. That shouldn't be a surprise, considering the hectic schedules and tremendous pressure that these students face.

Answer: None of them

Why would you ever want to 'paralyze' someone? Technically, these drugs are classified as skeletal muscle relaxants, and are used when a patient requires endotracheal intubation and/or mechanical ventilation, as in surgery. The paralyzing effect is temporary - it lasts only as long as the drug is in the patient's system.

These drugs can be dangerous in the wrong hands, but it is unlikely that anyone would try to "get high" from them, so they are not controlled substances.

Answer: No

All three are barbiturate sedatives. Methohexital is a schedule IV drug with a short duration of action (hence its brand name, Brevital). Sodium thiopental (also known as 'truth serum') is on schedule III, and is used in the induction of general anesthesia. Pentobarbital is a schedule II drug used for (among other things) the maintenance of deep sedation (induced coma) of certain patients on intensive care units.

Answer: All of them

Carisoprodol (brand name Soma) is a skeletal muscle relaxant, tramadol is a narcotic analgesic (in the same family as morphine), and testosterone cypionate is a long-acting anabolic steroid. Tramadol also comes as a combination with acetaminophen, marketed under the trade name Ultracet.