What are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs?
Although any prescription drug can be abused, the three types of drugs that are most commonly abused are: • Painkillers, also known as narcotic or opiates/opioids. Examples include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab) and meperidine (Demerol). A large single dose can cause severe respiratory depression and death. Long-term abuse leads to physical dependence and, in some cases, addiction. • Depressants, which are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Examples are pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax). They slow down normal brain function and can cause a drowsy, uncoordinated feeling. Large doses can depress breathing and cause a coma. Long-term abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. • Stimulants are often prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Concerta, Ad
