The types of prescription medications most commonly abused by people of any age are
- opioids, which are strong painkillers
- depressants, which are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders
- stimulants, which are typically used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), and, in some cases, to improve symptoms of depression.
Opioids (Painkillers)
Doctors prescribe opioids mainly to relieve pain. Short-term, medical use of opioids is safe and rarely causes addiction. However, long-term use of opioids, or use in a way other than prescribed, can lead to physical dependence or addiction.
Common opioid prescription medications include
- morphine (MS Contin®, Kadian®, Avinza®), which is used before and after surgical procedures to treat severe pain
- codeine (Tylenol with Codeine®, Robitussin AC®), which is prescribed for mild pain
- hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Lortab®, Zydone®), which is prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain
- oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Tylox®, Roxicet®), which is used to relieve moderate to severe pain
- fentanyl (Duragesic®), which is a strong pain medication typically delivered through a “pain patch” and prescribed for severe ongoing pain.
Depressants
Depressants are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Depressants slow normal brain function, and decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. They can cause confusion, drowsiness, fatigue, and impaired coordination. Long-term abuse can lead to addiction.
Here are commonly prescribed depressants.
- Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, and panic attacks. Examples are diazepam (Valium®), and alprazolam (Xanax®). Some benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), are prescribed for short-term treatment of sleep disorders.
- Non-benzodiazepine sleep medications are also used to treat sleep problems, but typically with fewer side effects and less risk of addiction than benzodiazepines. Examples are zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zalepon (Sonata). They differ in chemical structure from benzodiazepines, but act on some of the same brain receptors.
- Barbiturates are used to treat sleep disorders and seizures (epilepsy). Examples are seconal sodium (Secobarbital®), mephobarbital (Mebaral®), and pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal®).
Stimulants
Stimulants are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), and depression that has not responded to other treatments. These medications increase alertness, attention, and energy. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®), and amphetamines (Adderall®). Stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and produce a sense of euphoria in some people.
