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What Types of
Prescription Medications Are Commonly Abused?
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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 deppressants. 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.
Source: National Institutes on Drug Abuse |
"What
many people forget is that prescription drugs have the
potential to be just as harmful as street
drugs, and that most of today's illegal drugs were
once marketed and sold as pharmaceuticals."
-- Gary W. Smith, Executive Director of Narconon
Arrowhead.
