How should a technician handle a patient's confession of using codeine to relax?

When a patient confesses to using codeine to relax, it is important for the pharmacy technician to take responsible action, particularly because this statement can raise concerns about misuse or dependency on controlled substances. Alerting the pharmacist on duty allows for a professional who is trained to handle such situations to assess the patient's statement further.

The pharmacist can evaluate potential risks associated with the patient's use of codeine and decide the appropriate course of action. This could involve recommending the patient seek counseling or speak to their healthcare provider about their use of the medication. It ensures that the patient receives the attention and care they might need without risking harm or exacerbating a potentially serious issue.

In this context, simply ignoring the comment or filling the prescription without any further action might not address underlying problems, nor would recommending discontinuation or contacting the doctor directly empower the pharmacist to manage the situation effectively. Engaging the pharmacist involves the right level of care and oversight necessary in these circumstances.