Prescription Drugs
Most people take medications responsibly and as prescribed. When taken correctly, prescription medications are very beneficial treatments for a variety of health conditions. But when misused, abused, or taken by someone other than the patient for whom the medication was prescribed or taken in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed. Prescription drugs can produce serious adverse health effects, including addiction and death. Is misusing/ abusing prescription drugs affecting your life? Complete this confidential and anonymous screening to find out. Are these substances harming your health or increasing your risk for other problems? Make an appointment with a health-care practitioner at Student Health Services. If you need help quitting, contact the Center for Addiction & Substance Abuse located in the Counseling Center.
Opioids
- Proper prescribed use is as a pain-reliever.
- Opioids are a derivative or synthetic version of opium, like heroin.
- Examples: hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), morphine, fentanyl, codeine and other related medications.
- Pain killers are highly addictive and tolerance can increase over time. A large dose can cause severe respiratory depression or death.
- Most dangerous when used with: alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines since the combination can increase respiratory depression.
Benzodiazepines Anti-Anxiety Drugs - Benzodiazepines
- Proper prescribed use: anxiety, acute stress reactions, & panic attacks.
- Examples: diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and estazolam (ProSom).
- Can be addictive. Since withdrawal can be lengthy, painful, and cause seizures, it should be medically supervised.
- Most dangerous when used with: alcohol, pain medications, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications since the combination can slow both heart rate and respiration, which can be fatal.
Study Drugs
- Stimulants, actually amphetamines and methyphenidate.
- Examples: Adderall, Dexedrine, Concerta, Ritalin.
- Taking high doses of a stimulant can result in an irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, and/or the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures. Can cause paranoia and sleep deprivation.
- Most dangerous when used with: antidepressants, which may enhance the effects of a stimulant and over-the-counter cold medicines containing decongestants, which may cause blood pressure to become dangerously high or may lead to irregular heart rhythms .
Source: National Institute of Drug Abuse
Drug Overdose Deaths
- By 2009, the number of deaths involving prescription drugs was four times the number involving illicit drugs.
- Approximately 8 Floridians die each day from prescription drug overdose.
Source: CDC; Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; 7/8/2011