Top 10 adverse side effects of prescription drugs
What is prescription drug abuse?
When used incorrectly, prescription drugs can cause serious side effects and even addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), three particular classes of drugs are most often abused. But what is prescription drug abuse exactly? And what are the side effects of the major types of drugs that people use?
Prescription drug abuse occurs when you take a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you, or when you take a medication for reasons or in dosages other than as prescribed. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include:
1. Depressants – treat anxiety and sleep disorders
2. Pain killers – treat chronic pain
3. Stimulants – treat ADHD and narcolepsy
These medications are only safe to use with other substances under a doctor’s supervision. Typically, these classes of medicines should not be mixed with alcohol or other medications because they tend to speed life-threatening reactions in the body. Furthermore, prescription drugs should always be taken as prescribed. Additional dosage without a doctor’s OK can cause serious health effects and even death.
Top 10 adverse side effects of prescription drug use
1. Death (pain medications, depressants, stimulants)
2. Addiction (pain medications, depressants and stimulants)
3. Potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures (stimulants)
4. Slower heart rate (depressants)
5. Slower breathing or respiration rate (pain medications, depressants)
6. Irregular heart beat (stimulants)
7. High body temperature (stimulants)
8. Hostility or feelings of paranoia (stimulants)
9. Drowsiness (depressants, pain medications)
10. Constipation (pain medications)
What do you think about prescription drug abuse? Feel free to comment on the growing epidemic below. Why do you think it is occurring? How many friends or family do you know that use prescription drugs? Are most people using these drug responsibly? What about teen use of prescription drugs? Your comments and experience are welcomed.