Posts Tagged methylphenidate

Commonly Abused Drugs: Stimulants

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Facts on January 18th, 2011

Stimulants are a class of drugs that are used to increase alertness, attention and energy, and are usually used to treat such conditions as narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are abused by people who would like to feel a sense of euphoria.

drugsAmphetamines. The ADHD medications Dexedrine and Adderall are examples of amphetamines, and are among the otherwise legal drugs that are commonly abused. They are also known as “bennies,” “black beauties,” and “speed;” the side effects of amphetamine abuse include fast or irregular heartbeat, reduced appetite, heart failure, nervousness, and insomnia. These drugs are also addictive.

Methylphenidate. The ADHD drugs Ritalin and Concerta contain methylphenidate, a stimulant. As a stimulant, it can lead to dangerously high body temperature, an irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures when abused or taken in high doses. These drugs are also called “MPH,” R-ball,” “Skippy,” “the smart drug,” and “vitamin R.”

Dextromethorphan. This is the active ingredient in non-prescription cough and cold medicines. While they ideally bring relief to patients when taken according to the recommended dosage, abuse can have undesirable side effects, including nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and impaired judgment. These are also called “Orange Crush,” “Triple Cs,” “Dex,” and “Robo” in the streets, among other aliases.

Pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a common component in non-prescription cold medicines, and is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine, or meth, an illegal drug. It is for this reason that there are laws that restrict the number of drug products containing pseudoephedrine purchased at a time.

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Addiction to Prescription Drugs is on the rise

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Prescription Drug Abuse on July 20th, 2009

The untimely death of pop star Michael Jackson has once again raised the question “Are prescription drugs beneficial or harmful for health?” I believe that a majority of people will speak for the motion. But a few, like me who have had the opportunity to know the reality, will speak against it. Yes, addiction to prescription drugs is scaling up.

Such drugs are definitely useful when used as directed by the physician. But often they are misused – taken in larger doses.

A survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2007 has shown that around 15% of the US high school students abuse prescription drugs. Addiction to such drugs is prevalent mostly among young adults between 18 – 25 years who are unaware of the inherent danger.

The causes are easy availability and a common belief that such drugs are not harmful since they have been prescribed by doctors. “A safe way to get the high” said a senior student.

3 groups of prescribed drugs are generally abused –

• Opioids prescribed for relieving pain e.g. Morphine like Kodian and Avinza, Oxycodone like OxyContin and Percocet.

• Central Nervous System depressants that are used for treating anxiety, sleeplessness, e.g., Barbiturates like Mebaral and Nembutal, Benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax.

• Stimulants that are prescribed to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), obesity, narcolepsy e.g. Detroamphetamine like Dexedrine and Adderall, Methylphenidate like Ritalin and Concerta.

So please be aware of prescribed drugs. Keep in mind the fine line that differentiates between using and abusing such drugs. Remember they are as dangerous as illegal drugs like brown sugar since they are highly addictive and dangerous. Consult a doctor immediately if you feel that someone in your family is abusing prescription drugs.

Take the Tour: http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_dangerZones.asp

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