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(USGovernment-News.Com, October 16, 2013 ) Salt Lake City, UT – When most people think about drug abuse they think of illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine, however legal medications are abused by non-patients or taken in doses other than what is recommended every single day.
From depressants and pain relievers to stimulants, there are some non-prescription and prescription medications that are being abused on a regular basis which include:
Barbiturates – Commonly prescribed to ease anxiety or promote sleep, these depressants slow the brains function and can be extremely addictive. When taken with certain drugs such as alcohol, the heart rate and breathing can slow and may lead to death.
Benzodiazepines – Also known as Valium and Xanax, these are another type of depressant used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disorders, stress, and convulsions. They are typically prescribed for short-term usage however is often abused. The National Institute of Drug Abuse has stated that withdrawal from these drugs can be problematic, however is rarely life-threatening.
Sleep Medicines – Sleep medicines are another form of depressants however are less likely to cause addiction than other depressants. Common sleep medications include Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta.
Codeine and Morphine – These pain relievers are prescription medications that are commonly abused. They are commonly prescribed for severe pain and are extremely addictive.
OxyContin and Percocet – Sharing the same active ingredient, oxycodone, an opioid pain reliever, these drugs should only be taken under medical supervision. They are known to be extremely addictive and are commonly abused across the United States.
Vicodin, Lortab & Lorcet – This opioid is combined with acetaminophen which can cause drowsiness, constipation, and depressed breathing depending on how it is taken. This prescription medication should not be shared and only taken by the individual with the prescription.
Amphetamines – These are known as stimulants and are used to increase alertness, attention and overall energy. They are commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, and depression. They are typically abused by individuals seeking a sense of euphoria. The risks include increased heart rate, reduced appetite, heart failure, nervousness, and addiction.
Methylphenidate – This is a stimulant used in Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, and Methylin. It is used to treat ADHD, however when abused and taken in high dosages can cause dangerously high body temperatures and irregular heartbeat which can lead to cardiovascular failure or seizures.
Dextromethorphan – This is the main ingredient used in most nonprescription cough and cold medications. When taken in high dosages it can cause a sense of euphoria and impaired judgment. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, impaired coordination, and increased heart rate.
Pseudoephedrine – While this is commonly found in cold medicines, it is one of the primary ingredients used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine. For this reason, there are laws limiting the amount of pseudoephedrine products which can be purchased by an individual at one time.
At Phillips Law Group our Utah personal injury lawyers believe that when a person is injured due to the negligent actions of a health care provider, or harmed by a dangerous drug, the victim may be eligible to receive compensation for their losses and damages. For more information call 1-800-706-3000 or visit www.phillipslaw.com today.
About Phillips Law Group
A well-respected name in personal injury law, Phillips Law Group is committed to helping those who have been injured by the actions of another in the state of Arizona. The personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Group have a wealth of knowledge and experience in auto injury claims, premises liability, dangerous drug litigation, medical malpractice and product liability claims.
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