|
Some Commonly Prescribed
Medications: Use and Consequences |
Opioids
Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Propoxyphene (Darvon)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Meperidine (Demerol)
Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) |
CNS Depressants
Barbiturates
Diazepam (Valium)
Chlordiazepoxide
hydrochloride (Librium)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Triazolam (Halcion) |
Stimulants
Dextroamphetamine
(Dexedrine)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Sibutramine hydrochloride
monohydrate (Meridia) |
prescribed for
After surgical pain relief
Management of acute or chronic pain
Relief of coughs and diarrhea |
Generally prescribed for
Anxiety, Tension, Panic attacks
Acute stress reactions
Sleep disorders
Anesthesia (at high doses) |
Generally prescribed for
Narcolepsy
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Depression that does not respond to other treatment
Short-term treatment of obesity, Asthma |
In the body
Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord,
blocking the transmission of pain messages to the brain. |
In the body
CNS depressants slow brain activity through actions on the GABA
system and, therefore, produce a calming effect. |
In the body
Stimulants enhance brain activity, causing an increase in alertness,
attention, and energy. |
Effects of short-term use
Blocked pain messages
Drowsiness
Constipation
Depressed respiration
(depending on dose) |
Effects of short-term use
A "sleepy" and uncoordinated feeling during the first few days, as
the body becomes accustomed - tolerant - to the effects, these
feelings diminish. |
Effects of short-term use
Elevated blood pressure , Increased heart rate , Increased
respiration
Suppressed appetite & Sleep deprivation |
Effects of long-term use
Potential for tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, and/or
addiction |
Effects of long-term use
Potential for tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, and/or
addiction |
Effects of long-term use
Potential for addiction |
Possible negative effects
Severe respiratory depression or death following a large single dose |
Possible negative effects
Seizures following a rebound in brain activity after reducing or
discontinuing use |
Possible negative effects
Dangerously high body temperatures or an irregular heartbeat after
taking high doses. For some stimulants, hostility or feelings of
paranoia after taking high doses repeatedly over a short period of
time |
Should not be used with
Alcohol
Antihistamines
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
General anesthetics |
Should not be used with
Alcohol
Prescription opioid pain medicines
Some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications |
Should not be used with
Over-the-counter cold medicines containing decongestants
Antidepressants, unless supervised by a physician
Some asthma medications |
