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
- Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. (2018). Anti-anxiety drugs and abuse.
- Help Guide. (2018). Anxiety medication.
- National Institute of Health. (2018). Commonly abused drugs charts.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens. (2018). Prescription pain medications (opioids).