7 Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Sarah Lewis, PharmD on December 5, 2020
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A Fast-Growing ProblemPrescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. Prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs after alcohol and marijuana. Taking a medication without a prescription, taking more than prescribed, or using it for a different reason than prescribed are all forms of abuse. And prescription drug abuse doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Here’s a look at the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
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1. AmphetaminesAmphetamines are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. They are stimulants doctors prescribe to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Examples include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and combination amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Abusing or misusing these drugs can cause high blood pressure, seizures, heart attack, stroke, paranoia, aggressiveness, and hallucinations.
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2. VicodinHydrocodone is available in combination with other ingredients. Its brand name is Vicodin when it’s combined with acetaminophen. Vicodin is an opioid pain medicine and it’s among the most abused prescription drugs. Misusing this drug can lead to excessive side effects like drowsiness, dizziness and nausea, as well as confusion, low blood pressure, unconsciousness, coma, and even death. Combining it with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants like sedatives is extremely dangerous.
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3. Cough MedicinePrescription cough medicines often contain opioids, such as codeine, and powerful antihistamines to help quiet a cough. Like Vicodin, abusing these products affects the central nervous system. Over-the-counter cough medicines can also lead to problems. They often contain the stimulant drug dextromethorphan. Taking too much can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, slurred speech, and paranoia. Remember, over-the-counter does not mean “safe.” It is possible to overdose on these products.
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4. BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants—they slow down brain and nervous system activity. They fall under the category of sedatives or mild tranquilizers. Doctors prescribe them to treat insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks. Examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin). Abusing them can cause confusion, dizziness, impaired coordination and memory, and low blood pressure. Combining them with alcohol increases the risk of breathing problems and possibly even death.
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5. BarbituratesBarbiturates are another type of central nervous system depressant. They are also a type of sedative or tranquilizer. Examples are phenobarbital, pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal). These drugs may be prescribed for seizures, anxiety and insomnia. In addition to having the same risks as benzodiazepines when abused, barbiturates can also cause fever and life-threatening withdrawal.
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6. OxycontinOxycontin is a slow-release form of the narcotic drug oxycodone, which is also an opioid. Doctors commonly prescribe it for chronic pain because it lasts for many hours. But it’s also commonly abused. Oxycontin is highly addictive. It’s also extremely dangerous when abusers crush it. Crushing it destroys the timed-release formulation and releases huge amounts of narcotic—amounts that should have been slowly released over 12 hours. This type of abuse can be lethal.
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7. RitalinMethylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) is a commonly abused stimulant. Like amphetamines, doctors prescribe methylphenidate to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. In addition to the risks of abusing other stimulants, methylphenidate can lead to increased or decreased blood pressure, digestive issues, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
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You Can Get HelpIf you or someone you know is abusing prescription drugs, the first step is reaching out for help. Contact your doctor or call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCAAD) at 800-NCA-CALL to find an affiliate near you. Recovery is possible, and NCAAD programs can help you find the best path there.
7 Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs