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Search HIPusa.com Powered by Behavioral Health Options HIP Behavioral Health Services Mental Health Center Closings Mental Health Network Providers Common Psychiatric Disorders Information for members regarding Timothy's Law	Substance-Related Disorders Prescription Medications Important Facts Symptoms of Abuse Opioids CNS Depressants Stimulants Treatment Prevent Prescription Medication Abuse Important Facts Medication abuse is defined as using a prescription medication or an over-the-counter medication in any way that is different from the instructions given by the doctor or on the label of the medication, or using any prescription medication not specifically prescribed for you. Abuse of prescription medications has become more prevalent within the last decade. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has found that over 20 million people over age 12 have used one or more prescription medications for non-medical purposes at some time in their lives. As many as 17 percent of adults aged 60 and older may be abusing prescription medications. People typically use prescription medications such as sedatives, stimulants, tranquilizers, painkillers and opioids for non-medical purposes. Prescription medication abuse occurs when a person illegally obtains a prescription medication for non-medical use. Many people who abuse prescription medications obtain drugs through doctor shopping, in which the person continually switches physicians so that they can obtain enough of the drug to feed their addiction. Most commonly abused prescription medications fall into three categories: Opioids CNS Depressants Stimulants [ back to top ] Symptoms of Abuse A person who abuses prescription medications may have one or more of the following physical symptoms: Change in blood pressure Change in breathing rate Change in heart rate Diarrhea Dilated pupils Hot and cold flashes Low-grade fever Nausea and vomiting Sluggishness Sweating Unexplained weight loss Psychological and behavioral symptoms may include: Doctor Shopping (continually switching doctors in order to get additional supplies of drug) Depression Irritability Lack of enjoyment Paranoia (irrationally suspicious thoughts or ideas) Physical and psychological sexual problems Problems with concentration and memory Social withdrawal [ back to top ] Opioids Commonly prescribed medications in this category include codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon), hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and meperidine (Demerol). Opioids contain effective analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties. Opioids are sometimes referred to as narcotics. Opioids act by attaching to specific proteins, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these drugs attach to certain receptors in the brain and spinal cord they can effectively block the transmission of pain messages to the brain. In addition to alleviating pain, opioids can affect regions of the brain that mediate what we perceive as pleasure. Opioids should not be used in conjunction with alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates or benzodiazapines. These drugs slow breathing and their combined effects could cause life-threatening respiratory depression. Long-term opioid use can lead to tolerance and dependence. Symptoms of withdrawal from opioids include: Cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey") Diarrhea Insomnia Involuntary leg movements Muscle and bone pain Restlessness Vomiting Treatment of opioid abuse: Behavioral therapy has been found to be a successful treatment option. Naltrexone is often used with highly motivated individuals in treatment programs. Use of synthetic opioids, such as methadone and levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol (LAAM) to avoid withdrawal symptoms. [ back to top ] CNS Depressants Commonly prescribed medications in this category include mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), diazepam (Valium), clordiazepoxide HCI (Librium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants increase the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, thus decreasing brain activity, which produces a drowsy or calming effect. CNS depressants are highly addictive. CNS depressants should not be combined with any substances that cause sleepiness, including prescription pain medicines, over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines or alcohol. Combining these substances may slow breathing or slow both the heart and breath rate, which can be fatal. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal. Seizures may develop after abruptly stopping CNS depressant use. Treatment of CNS depressant abuse: Due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms, a physician should be consulted. Inpatient or outpatient treatment is often necessary. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is often a successful form of treatment. [ back to top ] Stimulants Commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications are typically prescribed to treat medical conditions such as asthma, obesity, neurological disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and depression. Stimulants are a class of drugs that enhance brain activity. They cause an increase in alertness, attention and energy that is accompanied by increases in blood pressure. Stimulants increase the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Higher levels of dopamine are thought to reduce hyperactivity, while an increase in norepinephrine improves attention. Stimulants cause the central nervous system to speed up, which suppresses hunger. For this reason, many people who abuse stimulants begin with the use of diet pills in an effort to lose weight. Stimulants should not be used with antidepressants or over-the-counter cold medicines containing decongestants. Consequences of stimulant abuse include: Anorexia Anxiety Dangerously high body temperature Emotional over-sensitivity, crying easily Feelings of hostility or paranoia Hallucination Headaches Heart failure Irregular heart beat Irritability Lethal seizures Poor appetite, weight loss Severe depression Treatment of stimulant abuse: At this time, there are no proven medications for the treatment of stimulant addiction. The first step in treatment is often to decrease the dosage and to treat the withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification is often followed by behavioral therapies. [ back to top ] Treatment Prescription medication abuse is best treated in partnership with a doctor or another specially trained health professional. Treatment is based on behavioral therapies and interventions. [ back to top ] Prevent Prescription Medication Abuse Take medications only as directed. Follow the instructions printed on the label of all over-the-counter and prescription medications. Talk with a pharmacist or your doctor if you have questions about how to use medications properly. Do not take prescription medications prescribed for someone else. Use medications only for the conditions for which they were prescribed. [ back to top ]