NPR:: How do you dispose of medications?

MrsOlson

I have some leftover Effexor since I recently weaned off of it. ( It's the devil) and also have some painkillers we don't need anymore. I have heard you cannot flush them anymore .

ANyone know how to properly dispose of them?

AnnapolisLari

Take them to CVS.

camrude

Like Lari said - see if any CVS-type places will take them. Or, in my state, this is how we are supposed to dispose of meds:

Disposing of medications at home

Your unwanted medications may be disposed of in your trash. Follow these precautions to prevent accidental or intentional ingestion.

1. Keep the medication in its original container. The labels may contain safety information and the caps are typically childproof. Leaving the content information clearly visible, scratch the patient's name out or cover it over with permanent maker.
2. Modify the contents to discourage consumption.

• Solid medications: add a small amount of water to pills or capsules to at least partially dissolve them.
• Liquid medications: add enough table salt, flour, charcoal, or nontoxic powdered spice, such as turmeric or mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from eating it.
• Blister packs: wrap packages containing pills in multiple layers of opaque tape like duct tape.

luckyluvr

My way was pretty simple. I put them in a ziploc and had dh take a hammer to them. Then I just emptied the bag into the trash.