Prescription Abuse Categories of commonly abused prescription drugs: Depressants: CNS depressants – slow brain function Opioids/Morphine derivatives – painkillers Stimulants – increase energy and alertness. Antidepressants – psychiatric drugs for depression Over the counter – no prescription needed

DEPRESSANTS – downers – includes tranquilizers, antipsychotics, “benzos”, barbiturates Multicolored tablets, capsule or liquid form Brand names – Xanax, Valium, Halcion, Amytal, Phenolbarbital Street names – Candy, Downers, Tranks, Barbs, Reds, Phennies Short term effects Slow brain function Lowered blood pressure Confusion Dizziness Fever Visual Disturbances Disorientation Difficulty or inability to urinate Slowed pulse and breathing Fatigue Slurred speech Sluggishness Dilated pupils Depression ADDICTION

Long term effects Withdrawal symptoms Tolerance develops rapidly; larger doses are needed for the same effect. Depression Chronic fatigue Breathing difficulties Sexual problems (impotence) Sleep problems Cravings (more of the drug) Anxiety and panic are common when the drug is withheld. Withdrawal symptoms Insomnia Weakness and nausea Agitation High body temperature Delirium Hallucinations and convulsions These drugs can also Increase high blood sugar Diabetes Weight gain (up to 100 pounds has been reported)

STIMULANTS –uppers stimulate the CNS - amphetamines Depression, narcolepsy, ADHD in kids. Brand names - Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine Street names – R-ball, Vitamin R, Kibbles and Bits, Bennies, Kiddie Cocaine Ritalin is a schedule II drug. It is ranked on the DEA’s list of “most stolen” medication. - Short term effects on body - hyperactive – exhilarated – hyperventilation dilated pupils - no appetite – dry mouth irritability - anxiety - apprehension- insomnia (LARGE DOSE) grinding teeth, weight loss, touching/picking face, paranoia, dangerously high body temperature (OVERDOSE) dizziness, tremors, agitation, panic, hostility, abdominal cramps, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, stroke, death

- Long term effects on the body – Permanent damage to blood vessels in the heart and brain Liver, kidney and lung damage Malnutrition, weight loss Strong psychological dependence Psychosis Damage to the brain including strokes and possibly epilepsy - Withdrawal - profound depression, apathy, fatigue, long periods of sleep sometimes called crash coma (for days) lingering impairment of perception and thought processes, disorientation, anxiety, suicidal tendencies (several months) - Effects on brain - All pills enter the blood stream by absorbing through the stomach, circulate through the body and are released through the bladder. Stimulants are designed to remain in the body longer (time release). Stimulants affect neurotransmitters that carry messages from cell to cell. They may block the receiving cells where dopamine is headed. They may cause the receiving cells to increase brain activity.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft, Effexor, Remeron Studies have shown effects of these drugs can include: Insomnia, Irritability Anxiety Nervousness Agitation Tremors Suicidal thoughts Suicide Violent thoughts/actions Sweating Hostility Irregular heartbeat Aggression Paranoia Confusion and incoherent thoughts Withdrawal symptoms can include suicidal thoughts, aggression, anxiety, depression, crying spells, insomnia, dizziness, vomiting, headaches, tremors, and electric “zap” sensations in the brain. These drugs can be helpful when prescribed by a physician. You should never “self-medicate” or change your medicines with out consulting your doctor.

OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS Chemical name: Dextromethorphan (DXM) Found in: Cough and cold medicines Brand names: Coricidin, Robitussin Form: syrup, gel and tablet. Powder is particularly risky. Street names: DSM, CCC, Robo, Skittles Effects: Visual hallucinations, Hyper-excitability Insomnia, Lethargy Physical dependence, Dizziness Slurred speech, Delusions, Sweating, High Blood Pressure Liver and brain damage Mixed with other drugs, cough syrup can also cause central nervous system and heart problems. Combined with alcohol, it is particularly dangerous and can result in death.   By survey, almost 50%of teens believe that prescription drugs are much safer that illegal street drugs. 60-70% say that home medicine cabinets are their source of drugs.