Safe USe

Know Your Medicine

Many medications can be misused or abused. The most common ones that lead to serious problems are listed here.

PAIN RELIEVERS

Generic Name:
Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Diphenoxylate, Morphine, Codeine, Fentanyl, Propoxyphene,  Hydromorphone, Meperidine, Methadone

Brand Names:
OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Lomotil, Kadian, Avinza, MS Contin, Duragesic, Darvon, Dilaudid, Demerol

Street Names:
Hillbilly heroin, Oxy, OC, Oxycotton, Percs, Happy Pills, Vikes, Vikings, Big O, Black stuff, Block, Gum, Hop

Use:
Properly: Swallowed
Improperly: Smoked, snorted or injected

Effects:
Blocks pain. Can cause relaxation, euphoria, drowsiness, impaired coordination, dizziness, confusion, nausea, slow or arrested breathing

Health Risks:
Constipation, endocarditis, hepatitis, HIV, overdose, precursor to heroin use, death

Addictive?
YES

STIMULANTS

Generic Name:
Amphetamines, Methylphenidate

Brand Names:
Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta

Street Names:
Uppers, Skippy, The Smart Drug, Study Drugs, Vitamin R, Bennies, Black Beauties, Roses, Hearts, Speed

Use:
Properly: Swallowed
Improperly: Snorted or injected

Effects:
Increased energy and alertness, euphoria, reduced appetite, hallucination

Health Risks:
Depression, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, seizure, stroke, intense anger, paranoid psychosis, death

Addictive?
YES

ANTI-ANXIETY

Generic Name:
Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Alprazolam, Triazolam, Estazolam, Secobarbital, Pentobarbital, Methaqualone

Brand Names:
Valium, Librium, Xanax, Halcion, ProSom, Nembutal, Quaalude, Seconal

Street Names:
Downers, goof balls, tranks, xanies, xan bars, footballs

Use:
Properly: Swallowed
Improperly: Snorted

Effects:
Reduce anxiety, lower inhibitions, poor concentration and coordination, decreased sexual interest, slowed reflexes, cloudy judgment

Health Risks:
Sleep disturbances, memory problems, confusion, respiratory, death

Addictive?
YES

SOURCES