Prescription medications are classified as controlled substances. They are legal for use, but only if there is a valid medical need. Once a doctor has written a prescription and it has been legally filled at a pharmacy, only then can the individual in question possess and use those substances as instructed.
One important thing to keep in mind is that sharing these prescription medications is illegal under both state and federal law. Some people believe that they can share the medicine once it is in their possession, and they may be genuinely trying to help someone who has similar ailments or symptoms. People often share with friends, roommates or family members. But all of this is technically illegal and could lead to drug charges for possession of controlled substances.
What should you do with prescription medications?
If you should not share or sell prescription medications, then how do you handle them?
In many cases, the answer is simple: You need to take the entire amount. For instance, many antibiotics will instruct you to take them until the pills are gone, even if your symptoms have subsided, or you could relapse.
If there is a situation where you have medication that you genuinely do not need, then there are legal ways to dispose of it, such as an appropriate drop box. Professionals warn that you should not simply throw medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet, as both of these solutions can be problematic in their own right, potentially putting the medication into the water table or a landfill.
Your defense options
If you find yourself facing serious drug charges due to a mistake or an oversight, it is crucial to know exactly what defense options you have.
