1. 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

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. - 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.