THE OXYBUTYNIN ABUSE IN ADOLESCENT CASE

Abstract

Oxybutynin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in overactive bladder treatment. Because of its lipophilic structure, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes cognitive side effects in the central nervous system. Abuse of the drug is due to its hallucinogenic effect. In terms of substance use disorder, adolescents are one of the groups at risk. In addition to well-known addictive substances, drugs which have sedative, anticholinergic-antimuscarinic, stimulant properties and prescribed for any treatment also can be abused in adolescents with substance abuse. In this article, it is aimed to raise awareness of physicians and health workers about oxybutynin abuse because of the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the drug and its effects on the central nervous system. The health professionals should therefore prescribe this drug with more attention and follow-up those patients.