PILLS CAN KILL

Categories of Abused Rx Drugs

Three categories of commonly abused prescription drugs and how they work:

·        Opioids

·        Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants

·        Stimulants

 

·           Opioids are a natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic derivative of opium and are typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Drugs which fall under this category include hydrocodone (Lortab, Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet), oxymorphone (Opana), morphine (MS Contin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), methadone, fentanyl, and codeine. Opioids act on the body by attaching to specific cell surface proteins called opioid receptors. These receptors are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract, and when an opioid attaches to the receptors, they can block the perception of pain. Opioids can produce drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and depressed respiration. Additionally opioids can induce euphoria by indirectly boosting dopamine levels in parts of the brain which influence our perceptions of pleasure. This euphoric feeling is intensified by abusers who snort or inject particular opioids such as oxycodone, amplifying its euphoric effects and increasing the risk for serious medical consequences. Abusers often combine opioids with alcohol and/or other CNS depressants to potentiate the effects of the drug.  Abuse of opioids is highly dangerous and can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and death. Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of a drug, and often results in withdrawal symptoms when that drug is reduced or stopped. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes.

 

·          CNS depressants, sometimes referred to as sedatives and tranquilizers, are typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders. CNS depressants include a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin) and barbiturates (phenobarbitol). Most CNS depressants act on the brain by affecting the neurotransmitter called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a chemical that enables communication between brain cells. CNS depressants enhance GABA's effects and thereby produce a drowsy or calming effect. Because CNS depressants slow down brain function, they are particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol or with medications that cause drowsiness which can suppress respiration and lead to death. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors, and loss of appetite. Non-benzodiazepine sleep medications, such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zalepon (Sonata), have a different chemical structure, but act on some of the same brain receptors as benzodiazepines.

 

·          Stimulants are typically prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Stimulants include drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications stimulate the central nervous system causing a gradual and sustained increase of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In people with ADHD, stimulant medications generally have a calming and "focusing" effect. However, because these medications affect the dopamine system in the brain (the reward pathway), they are subject to abuse.  Some stimulants, such as methylphenidate, when taken intravenously cause a large and rapid increase in dopamine which is experienced as a rush or high. Taken repeatedly or in high doses, stimulants can cause anxiety, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing stimulant use may include depression, disturbance of sleep patterns, fatigue, and apathy.

 Sources:

National Institute on Drug Abuse (www.drugabuse.gov/NIDAHome.html)

www.theantidrug.com

For more information please visit:

http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugPages/PrescripDrugsChart.html

 

In an emergency, call local law enforcement or 911.