BIRENDRANAGAR, Nepal: Prescription drug misuse has emerged as a new concern in Karnali Province, where officials say young people are consuming cheaper medicines for intoxicating effects.
Police identified nitrazepam, tramadol, buprenorphine and medicines prescribed for epilepsy among the substances involved.
Officials told The Kathmandu Post that legal availability and lower prices made the medicines easier to obtain than illicit drugs.
Mugu police recently arrested Kamal Malla, 22, with medicines used for epilepsy treatment and delaying menstruation.
Police Inspector Nabin Shahi said Malla admitted to buying the medicines from pharmacies and consuming them for their drowsy effects.
Surkhet police separately arrested Kamal Karki, 28, and Dhwanil Malla, 21, in Birendranagar. Officers reported recovering 232 nitrazepam tablets from them.
Dr KN Poudel, a senior consultant physician at Karnali Provincial Hospital, said nitrazepam and tramadol have legitimate medical uses when patients follow prescribed doses.
However, misuse can impair brain function and cause dependency, memory problems, malnutrition and reduced decision-making ability. Poudel also warned that some household members secretly consume medicines prescribed for relatives.
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Shahi linked the reported trend to poverty, unemployment, psychological stress and easy access to medicines. He added that cannabis and hashish remained readily available in Mugu.
Karnali Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General Jaya Raj Sapkota called for stricter monitoring of medicine distribution and regular pharmacy inspections.
He also proposed youth awareness programmes, improved mental health services and greater use of drug-detection tests.
