Overview. Misuse of prescription drugs means taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed; taking someone else's prescription, even if for a legitimate medical complaint such as pain; or taking a medication to feel euphoria (i.e., to get high).
A: 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).
Three types of drugs are abused most often: • Opioids—prescribed for pain relief • CNS depressants—barbiturates and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers) • Stimulants—prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder ...
Probably the most common risk of prescription drug abuse is addiction. People who abuse medicines can become addicted as easily as if they were taking street drugs.
Long term health impacts such as liver, kidney and heart problems or cancer (depending on the type of drug used and how frequently it was used) Dental health problems (cavities and gum disease) Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Dependence.
A number of psychiatric medications such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and haloperidol (Haldol) have all been associated with causing hallucinations, in addition to zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), ropinirole (Requip), and some seizure medications.
being aware of potential interactions with other drugs as well as alcohol. never stopping or changing a dosing regimen without first discussing it with the doctor. never using another person's prescription and never giving their prescription medications to others.
Drugs that may lead to depressive, anxious, or psychotic syndromes include corticosteroids, isotretinoin, levo-dopar mefloquine, interferon-a, and anabolic steroids, as well as some over-the-counter medications. PSEs are often difficult to diagnose and can be very harmful to patients.
People can experience hallucinations when they're high on illegal drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, LSD or ecstasy. They can also occur during withdrawal from alcohol or drugs if you suddenly stop taking them. Drug-induced hallucinations are usually visual, but they may affect other senses.
Some medications, such as antidepressants, are also found to cause sleep talking. Drugs incite and increase muscle tone in REM, causing parasomnia such as sleep talking and sleepwalking.
When taken (usually by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting), abused drugs find their way into the bloodstream. From there, they move to the brain and other parts of the body. In the brain, drugs may intensify or dull the senses, change how alert or sleepy people feel, and sometimes decrease physical pain.
Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person's likelihood of drug use and addiction.
The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.
Common side effects include upset stomach, dry mouth, and drowsiness. A side effect is considered serious if the result is: death; life-threatening; hospitalization; disability or permanent damage; or exposure prior to conception or during pregnancy caused birth defect.
Side effects happen when a treatment causes a problem because it does more than treat the target issue. The impact can range from minor to severe and life-threatening. A side effect can, theoretically, be positive. For example, laser treatment for cataracts sometimes improves a person's eyesight.
High risk medicines are those medicines that have a high risk of causing significant patient harm or death when used in error. Although errors may or may not be more common than with other medicines, the consequences of errors with these medicines can be more devastating.
Based on the definition of schizophrenia, this mental health condition cannot be caused by any drug or substance use. If someone is having psychotic symptoms sparked by drug use, they could have substance-induced psychosis.