Have you ever wondered why some drugs are not dispensed without a medical prescription? No doubt about it. At one point or the other, every one of us has had to use a medical prescription before purchasing a drug.
Prescription drugs are different from over-the-counter drugs. The following facts would show how and why:
Prescription Drugs Are No Safer Than Illicit Drugs
Don’t make the mistake many people make about prescription drugs and illicit drugs. The truth is that prescription drugs are not in any way safer than illegal drugs. This can be seen in the example of side effects after taking Zantac that can be tricky and dangerous. They are required to be used only by a doctor’s recommendation and if they’re not, they can be life-threatening.
FDA Regulation
Every prescription drug is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The significance of this regulation is that every prescription drug undergoes the FDA quality verification process before being approved and circulated for use. The process helps to gather all available data in regards to the drug. It provides vital information about how the drug was manufactured and how it would function in the body. These steps are all to ensure that the drugs are safe for use.
Prescription Drugs Can Be Fatal When Abused
In 2009, a study showed that 37,500 deaths were linked to prescription drug abuse that overshadows the total number of deaths caused by accidents. Surprising, isn’t it? The sad part is that prescription drug abuse is common among teens. It is indeed worth worrying about. Bottom line is that prescription drugs mustn’t be used outside prescribed boundaries.
Prescription Drugs Can Be Dangerous When Combined With Other Drugs/Alcohol
Another shocking revelation about prescription drugs is that they pose a serious threat when combined with other drugs and alcohol. Care must be taken to not mix them either intentionally or accidentally.
Prescription Drugs Are Grouped Into Three Categories
A prescription drug will fall within any of these three categories:
Painkillers
Some drugs contain opioids that are effective for giving a painless message to the brain. They attach themselves to the opioid receptors to change the message delivered to the brain when pains are involved.
Examples of painkilling prescription drugs are Cody, schoolboy, loads, oxycet, oxy, doors & fours, oxycontin, etc. Under a doctor’s prescription, painkilling prescription drugs are effective in severe pains caused by cancer, bodily damage, and other illness. The long term side effect of painkillers includes a physical dependence on the drug for survival.
Depressant
People struggling with sleep disorder and anxiety are usually placed on depressants like Xanax, Lunesta, Valium, etc. What they do is to help improve sleep and reduce anxiety by slowing down the brain’s activity.
As a note, depressants can lead to death when combined with alcohol or over-the-counter drugs. The sad part? It can become an addiction if care is not taken. Teens who abuse depressants are often caught up with severe withdrawal symptoms and even convulsions.
Stimulants
Prescription stimulants help to regulate and normalize the norepinephrine and dopamine function in the brain. It is achieved by a slow and steady release of the two needed neurotransmitters. For a long time now, stimulants have helped treat several health issues like depression and ADHD.
Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine are three common brand names of stimulant prescription drugs in this age. However, abuse of stimulating prescription drugs is an open invitation to dangerously high body temperature, seizures, and irregular heartbeat.
Warning: Prescription drug abuse effects vary with individuals. Some people may experience mild conditions while it could range to serious issues or even death for others.
Which Prescription Drugs Are The Most Common And Most Helpful?
Talking about help, take a careful look at these options before you make a purchase.
Lisinopril
Used for improving survival in heart attack patients, Lisinopril tops the list of the most common prescription drugs in the United States. Data show that brand names like Prinivil have about 104 million prescriptions in the United States.
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is used to lower the risk of strokes and heart attack. Unfortunately, a heart attack is a major contributing factor to death, especially in the USA. However, Atorvastatin still finds a good sitting spot on the list of the most commonly prescribed drugs.
Metformin
This is often taken to tackle Type-2 diabetes and sells under the brand name Riomet, Fortamet, etc. It is also one of the most common prescription drugs in the US.
A familiar saying goes thus: when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. In picking the drug most suited for your needs, ask for instructions for safe use from your doctor before purchasing the prescription drugs. Remember health is wealth. Play safe with your health and avoid any form of abuse at all costs. Make sure to follow all instructions and never share prescription drugs with anyone.
