Onset of Drug Effect(s): The list of prescription drugs is endless. Therefore, it is impossible to review the onset of drug effects for all of the possible drugs available to the public. Click here for a listing of prescription drugs, their effects, and related information.
Commonly abused prescription drugs are generally across three drug categories:
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Valium® and Xanax® are two commonly prescribed depressants.
Opiates are commonly prescribed to treat pain. Vicodin® and Percocet® are two commonly prescribed opiates.
Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat narcolepsy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ritalin® and Adderall® are two commonly prescribed stimulants.
Drug Action(s):
Misuse or abuse of prescription antidepressants can:
- Slow heart rate and respiration;
- Cause fatal respiratory problems when used in combination with over-the-counter cough medicines, prescription pain medications, and alcohol;
- Result in addiction – high addiction potential.
Misuse or abuse of prescription opiates can:
- Produce drowsiness;
- Depress breathing and lead to respiratory failure;
- Result in addiction – high addiction potential.
Misuse or abuse of prescription stimulants can:
- Result in irregular heartbeat;
- Raise the body’s temperature to dangerous levels;
- Lead to cardiovascular failure or seizure;
- Create feelings of hostility or paranoia;
- Cause particularly severe heart damage when used in combination with anti-depressants or over-the-counter cough medicines.
- Result in addiction - high addiction potential.
A Word about Non-Medical Prescription Drug Use (NMPDU)
Non-medical use of a prescription drug occurs whenever a prescription drug is used for anything other than its intended purpose, by someone other than the intended user, or in a dosage other than prescribed.
The possible motivations for NMPDU can include the desire to stay awake for extended periods of time to “party” or study, to get high, to lose weight, or to deal with stress and anxiety.
The culture of pharmacology is that prescription drugs are “safe” and available without consequence. However, if taken without an express prescription or recommendation from one’s health care provider, the risks are innumerable.
