What Types of Prescription Medications Are Commonly Abused?
Which legal and prescribed drugs are causing the troubles?
Several classes of medications that are commonly abused
include opioids, Central nervous system (CNS) Depressants,
and stimulants. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
can also be abused when not taken as directed. It is important
to note that many prescription drugs or OTC medications
can produce dangerous health effects when taken concurrently
or taken with Alcohol.
Opioids. Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat pain.
Examples of prescription opioids include Morphine
(Kadian, Avinza), Codeine, oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin,
Percodan, Percocet), hydrocodone (Lortab, Lorcet,
Vicodin), propoxyphene (Darvon), fentanyl (Duragesic),
and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Opioids work in the
brain to diminish the perception of pain. Opioids also can
produce a sense of euphoria by affecting pleasure centers
in the brain. This is often intensified when opioids are
taken by routes other than those prescribed.1 For example,
OxyContin can be crushed and snorted, or injected
intravenously-this can enhance the euphoric effects,
while at the same time increasing the risk for serious
medical consequences, such as Overdose.
CNS depressants. CNS depressants commonly are
prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders because
of their ability to slow normal brain function. These
medications include Barbiturates, such as mephobarbital
(Mebaral), pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), butalbital
(Fioricet), and Benzodiazepines such as diazepam
(Valium), chlordiazepoxide HCl (Librium), alprazolam
(Xanax), triazolam (Halcion), and others.
Stimulants. Stimulants, including dextroamphetamine
(Dexedrine and Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin
and Concerta), are used primarily to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and
narcolepsy. These stimulants increase the amount of
certain chemicals in the brain and peripheral nervous
system. This can lead to increased blood pressure and
heart rate, and increased blood Glucose.
Strong physiological, emotional and/or psychological dependence on a substance such as alcohol or drugs that has progressed beyond voluntary control. For more on addiction see the section Addiction Information in this website.
Alcohol
Refers to ethyl alcohol or ethanol.
Barbiturates
Depressant drugs that produce relaxation and sleep. Barbiturates include sleeping pills such as pentobarbital (Nembutal)and secobarbital (Seconal).
Benzodiazepines
A class of drugs used in medicine as minor tranquilizers which is frequently prescribed to treat anxiety. They are central nervous system depressants and are subject to abuse.
CNS
Central Nervous System
CNS depressants
A class of drugs that slow CNS function, some of which are used to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders; includes barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord.
Codeine
A natural opioid compound that is a relatively weak, but still effective, opiate analgesic. It has also been used to treat other problems (e.g., to relieve coughing).
Depressants
Drugs that relieve anxiety and produce sleep. Depressants include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.
Drug
Any substance, other than food, that changes the function or structure of the body or mind when ingested. Drugs essentially are poisons. The degree they are taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant. A greater amount acts as a sedative. A larger amount acts as a poison and can kill one dead. This is true of any drug. Each has a different amount at which it gives those results.
Drug abuse
The use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal drugs. The repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter or avoid reality - or all three.
Glucose
A simple sugar that the brain uses as its major source of energy.
Morphine
Morphine The most potent natural opiate compound produced by the opium poppy.
Overdose
The condition that results when too much of a drug is taken, making a person sick or unconscious and sometimes resulting in death.
Drug Info 
