Quick Announce

Prescription drugs are those drugs that are available only with written instructions from a doctor or physician to a pharmacist. They are drugs that are licensed medicines that require prescription before it can be obtained.

Over-the-counter drugs are those that can be obtained without a prescription. As a general rule, these over-the-counter drugs are those used to treat illnesses or conditions that do not require a doctor’s prescription but are proven to meet the higher standards for self-medication of patients. Often, a lower dosage is approved for over-the-counter use.

Although prescription drugs are often abused or misused, here are three most commonly abused – stimulants, depressants and opioids.

Stimulants

Stimulants are prescribed drugs used to treat obesity, sleeping disorders, narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Stimulants are agents that excite bodily functions, cause increase in functional activity and stimulates the central nervous system. Inducing alertness, wakefulness, elevated mood, increase in motor and speech activity and decreased appetite are stimulants’ mood-elevating effects making it as potent drug of abuse.

Opioids

Opioids are narcotic drugs that are generally prescribed to manage or relieve pain. The most prescribed opioids are codeine, methadone, morphine and other related drugs. Codeine is used for milder pain while morphine is used for severe pain especially after an operation or surgery. Methadone is used to help people control their dependence on heroine or other narcotics.

Opioids may be taken orally, by injection, as a patch attached to skin or as anal suppository.

Depressants

Depressants diminish functional activity by depressing the nervous system. Alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates and meprobamate are all depressants. They have various modes and effects. While some are used primarily to relieve tension, anxiety and emotional stress, other depressants are used to relieve pain or to induce sleep. CNS depressants are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

Side Effects of Opioids

Opioids can also be habit-forming. Intentional or accidental overdose of any of the opioids can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death. The signs of opioid overdose include confusion, difficulty speaking, seizures, severe nervousness or restlessness, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, and/or slow or troubled breathing.

The most common side effects of opioids are:

• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• itching
• nausea
• urine retention
• vomiting

Less common side effects of opioids include:

• abnormally fast or slow heartbeat
• blurred or double vision
• cold, clammy skin
• depression or other mood changes
• dry mouth
• fainting
• hallucinations
• hives
• loss of appetite
• nightmares or unusual dreams
• pinpoint pupils of the eyes
• redness or flushing of the face
• restlessness
• rigid muscles
• ringing or buzzing in the ears
• seizure
• severe drowsiness
• skin reaction at the site of injection
• stomach cramps or pain
• sweating
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

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