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Prescription Medications
Prescription Medications are effective in treating various health conditions. However, more than 16 million Americans abuse prescription meds yearly.
Knowing more about prescription meds can be crucial.
Prescription medications are medications given by a doctor’s prescription. The opposite of prescription meds is over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Those types of drugs do not need a doctor’s prescription.
Prescription medication abuse is using meds in a way not prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes, these drugs might not even be given by a doctor.
It also includes the method of taking it. For example, snorting instead of injecting it or swallowing.
Clinically Reviewed by: Charee Marquez, LMFT
Review Date: 3/1/2023
Stimulants increase body alertness and can make a person energetic. They are usually used to treat obesity, depression, ADHD, and asthma.
Side effects of stimulants include higher blood and sugar levels. Examples of stimulants include
People abuse stimulants by taking larger doses. When abused, it can cause uneven heartbeat as well as severe addiction.
Opioids are more intense painkillers that are effective in managing long-term pain.
Examples include codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Opioids can be addictive if used for long periods. An overdose of opioids can be fatal if taken with alcohol.
Always follow the doctor’s prescription when using opioids.
This medication is used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. CNS depressants work by acting on the gamma-aminobutyric acid in your brain.
Depressants make you feel drowsy or less alert. Examples of CNS depressants include barbiturates. Depressants can also treat seizures.
Abuse of depressants leads to dependence or addiction. An abrupt stop or reduction in dosage can lead to withdrawal symptoms or death.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of prescription meds being abused.
The percentage of seniors abusing prescription meds is growing, and a big chunk of that number abuse opioids.
Seniors with multiple health conditions who abuse these drugs put themselves in grave danger. They can become dependent on it or even die from an overdose.
It’s a more complicated matter if these drugs are taken with alcohol. Seniors need to be aware of the dangers of abusing prescription meds.
Always follow the doctor’s prescription.
A doctor usually makes the diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history.
They also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing.
Blood or urine tests will also be taken. These tests can reveal the types of drugs in your body or if you have a physical condition.
The first step is to stop using these meds. Detoxification is used to remove all traces of the drug from your body.
We recommend that you undergo detoxification under medical supervision. Detoxing usually takes 3-7 days.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after detoxing is normal. Medications can be used to reduce the intensity of the symptoms.
The type of medication depends on the drug that was abused.
There are no drugs recommended explicitly for stimulants. The best way to manage withdrawal symptoms is to taper off drug usage.
Your doctor might also treat some symptoms separately, such as insomnia or depression.
Many medications can be used. They include
Tapering off is the best way to recover from this drug abuse. Your doctor might also prescribe other drugs based on your withdrawal symptoms.
Support groups and counseling can also be beneficial. They offer encouragement and fight against relapse.
Most rehab facilities offer this feature.
CBT retrains the user’s habits and inclinations. Patients are encouraged to develop positive traits. They are also able to manage their addiction and dependence better.
CBT reduces the chances of a relapse.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), abuse of prescription meds can be avoided by following these guidelines
The general rule is that CNS depressants should never be combined with opioids as they contradict each other. Other substances that should not be combined with CNS depressants include
Apart from CNS depressants, opioids should not be combined with
Stimulants do not work well with the following types of medications
Contact your doctor immediately if you have abused prescription medications.
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