Fantasy classified as prescription medicine

Fantasy classified as prescription medicine

Fantasy? Grievous Bodily Harm? or ?liquid ecstasy?.

Fantasy was first used in the United States as a surgical anaesthetic. It has recently been investigated as a treatment for narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), and for alcohol and opiate dependence.

Fantasy commonly exists as a colourless, odourless liquid usually sold in small bottles. It has also has been seen in powder and capsule form. It is mostly taken orally, however, there have been reports of injection.

Generally, two groups of people are known to take Fantasy, those in the dance/club scene (for it's euphoric and sedative effects), and bodybuilders (because it promotes what is known as 'slow wave sleep', during which a growth hormone is secreted).

As from January 13, 2000, Fantasy is classified as a prescription only drug.

Health Effects

Fantasy is a depressant drug and as such it slows down the central nervous system.

Many people have reported the following effects after taking Fantasy: euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, increased confidence and dizziness.

With increased doses the initial euphoria is replaced by powerful sedative effects, which can include: confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, vomiting/nausea, stiffening of muscles, disorientation, convulsions, unconsciousness/coma; and respiratory collapse.

Effects are noticeable between 10 minutes and one hour after taking the drug and can last for a day or longer.

There appears to be a fine line between the amount that is required to achieve the desired affect and that which leads to coma. Because there is often no way of knowing the strength of Fantasy, there is the added danger of overdosing.

Mixing Fantasy with other drugs will also increase the dangers. For example, combining Fantasy with another central nervous system depressant, such as alcohol, will intensify the effects and increase the chances of overdosing.

To date, there have been no confirmed deaths of Fantasy in New Zealand, however, several people have collapsed and been hospitalised after taking the drug. Several deaths have been reported in the United States.

People can become both physically and psychologically dependent on Fantasy. Physical dependence occurs when a person's body becomes used to functioning with the drug present and if use is suddenly stopped, symptoms of withdrawal will be experienced. Psychological dependence occurs when using a drug becomes more important than other activities in a person's life. A person who becomes dependent on a drug may find it difficult to cut down or stop using.

Although there has been little research conducted in this area, there have been reports that prolonged use of high doses of Fantasy may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Some people have experienced agitation/anxiety, insomnia and tremors after stopping their regular use of Fantasy. Withdrawal symptoms are usually experienced for three to twelve days.

There has been little research conducted regarding the effects of long term use of Fantasy. Apart from the potential to develop physical and psychological dependence, the health and social consequences of long term use are largely unknown.

Offences against the Medicines Act 1981

Penalty for possession of a prescription medicine without a prescription is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $500. If the offence is a continuing one, a further fine not exceeding $50 for every day or part of a day during which the offense has continued. The offence is created by section 43 of the Act and the general penalty under section 78 applies.

The maximum penalty for supply is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000.

There is also a defence provision for wholesale of prescription drugs. Wholesale is the selling it to a person whom the vendor believes to be buying it-- (a) For the purpose of-- (i) Selling or supplying it; or (ii) Administering it or causing it to be administered to one or more human beings-- in the course of a business carried on by that person;

Any person who manufactures any medicine or sells any medicine by wholesale; or packs or labels any medicine otherwise than in accordance with a licence issued under Part III of this Act commits an offense. Breaches of this provision are punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $500, and, if the offence is a continuing one, to a further fine not exceeding $50 for every day or part of a day during which the offence has continued.

ENDS

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