Misuse of Prescription Drugs

Prescription Drug misuse is on a rise for our youth and young adults. Studies have shown that more teens abuse prescription drugs that illicit drugs. Many teens feel that using prescription drugs is safer than illegal drugs. It is also illegal to take prescription drugs from someone else or give out your prescription medication. The only time that it is safe to use a prescription drug is if your doctor prescribed it to you and you are taking it the way he instructed you to take it.

Depressants

Used to slow the brain function. Some examples include; Xanax, Valium, Halicon, Ativan, Klonopin, and Librium. Common street names are candy, downers, sleeping pills, and tranks.

Possible Long Term Effects

Chronic Fatigue

Addiction

Anxiety

Sexual Problems

Sleeping Problems

Breathing Problems

Liver Disease

Possible Short Term Effects

Lowered Blood Pressure

Confusion

Dizziness

Fever

Disorientation

Fatigue

Slurred Speech

Depression

Slowed Breathing

Poor Concentration

Opiods

Painkillers. Some examples include; Fiorional with codeine, Robitussin A-C, Tylenol with Codeine, OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Dilaudid, and Demerol. Common Street names are Cody, TNT, Monkey, OXYcat, Perks, Demmies, Juice, Dillies, and many more.

Possible Long Term Effects

Restlessness

Muscle and Bone Pain

Insomnia

Stomach Cancers

Sleeping Problems

Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

Harm to Central Nervous System

Possible Short Term Effects

Drowsiness

Slowed Breathing

Constipation

Nausea

Coma

Unconsciousness

Possible Long Term Effects

Restlessness

Muscle and Bone Pain

Stomach Cancers

Insomnia

Sleeping Problems

Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

Harm to Central Nervous System

Possible Short Term Effects

Drowsiness

Slowed Breathing

Constipation

Nausea

Coma

Unconsciousness

Stimulants

Used to increase energy and alertness. Some examples include; Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Adderall. Common street names are speed, truck drivers, bennies, r-ball, kibbles and bits, and many others.

Possible Long Term Effects

Paranoia

Hostility/Aggression

Addiction

Liver Disease

Possible Short Term Effects

Depression

Exhaustion

Crash

Increased Energy

Antidepressants

Medication prescribed to reduce depression. Some examples include; Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft, Remeron, and Effexor.

Possible Long Term Effects

Liver Disease

Anxiety and Panic

Withdrawal Symptoms

Overdose

Physical Dependence

Possible Short Term Effects

Irritability

Anxiety

Hostility

Suicidal Thoughts

Agitation

Confusion

Paranoia

Psychosis

Possible Long Term Effects

Liver Disease

Anxiety and Panic

Withdrawal Symptoms

Overdose

Physical Dependence

Possible Short Term Effects

Irritability

Anxiety

Hostility

Suicidal Thoughts

Agitation

Confusion

Paranoia

Psychosis

Take Action Parents

These are just a few of the prescription drugs that are abused or misused. Many others are popping up and have become a serious issue with our young people. Many kids are also abusing over the counter drugs like cough syrup and allergy medication. Keep an eye on your kids and make sure they understand the dangers. Always lock up your prescription medication and dispose properly old medications that you are no longer using. Just a few small steps can save your children’s life.

CoAPT

Blanco Coalition of Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of Substance Abuse.

© 2017 Blanco CoAPT

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