Some Commonly Prescribed Medications: Use and Consequences
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Opioids
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Propoxyphene (Darvon)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
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CNS Depressants
Barbiturates
- Mephobarbital (Mebaral)
- Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal)
Benzodiazepines
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (Librium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Estazolam (ProSom)
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Stimulants
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate (Meridia)
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Generally prescribed for
- Postsurgical pain relief
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Relief of coughs and diarrhea
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Generally prescribed for
- Anxiety
- Tension
- Panic attacks
- Acute stress reactions
- Sleep disorders
- Anesthesia (at high doses)
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Generally prescribed for
- Narcolepsy
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression that does not respond to other treatment
- Short-term treatment of obesity
- Asthma
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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)
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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.
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Effects of short-term use
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Increased respiration
- Suppressed appetite
- Sleep deprivation
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Effects of long-term use
- Potential for tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, and/or addiction
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Effects of long-term use
- Potential for tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, and/or addiction
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Effects of long-term use
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Possible negative effects
- Severe respiratory depression or death following a large single dose
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Possible negative effects
- Seizures following a rebound in brain activity after reducing or discontinuing use
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Possible negative effects
- Dangerously high body temperatures or an irregular heartbeat after taking high doses
- Cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures
- For some stimulants, hostility or feelings of paranoia after taking high doses repeatedly over a short period of time
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Should not be used with
Other substances that cause CNS depression, including
- Alcohol
- Antihistamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- General anesthetics
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Should not be used with
Other substances that cause CNS depression, including
- Alcohol
- Prescription opioid pain medicines
- Some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications
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Should not be used with
- Over-the-counter cold medicines containing decongestants
- Antidepressants, unless supervised by a physician
- Some asthma medications
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