Medication Storage

It’s understandable to want to keep your prescription medications within easy reach, whether you place them on your nightstand to take before bed or when you wake or you store them in a medicine cabinet or on your bathroom counter. However, whether you take anti-anxiety medication regularly or you have leftover painkillers following surgery, these pharmaceuticals can be dangerous if ingested by children and may serve as a temptation for teenagers who live in or are visiting the household. Therefore, medications should be stored securely in a way that keeps children or teens from accessing them.

A good way to secure both prescription and OTC medications (like sleep aids or cough syrup with alcohol, for example) is with a lock box that requires a key or a combination code for entry. Always keep your medications locked up and stored out of sight in a place where younger family members can’t easily get to them.

Why Lock Up Your Meds?

There are many reasons why children and teens might take your prescription medication without your consent. Some are interested in experimenting or finding a means of escape, while others simply want to fit in with their peers. Some are attempting to self-medicate in order to cope with feelings of pain, anxiety, or depression, or they may want to improve sleep or alertness. Some are seeking a means of controlling their weight.

The common denominator is that they have access to your medication. You have the power to remove this temptation, and there are plenty of reasons why you should, including the following:

• Reduce prescription drug abuse by children, teens, and young adults.
• Help to prevent drug addiction, accidental overdose, and legal issues, consequences for those who might take your prescription medications to use or sell.