Commonly Abused Prescription Medications

List of commonly abused prescription medications and effects of short and long-term use.

List of commonly abused prescription medications and the effects of short and long-term use.

Although many prescription drugs can be abused, there are several classifications of medications that are commonly abused. Opioids (painkillers), CNS Depressants (anxiety and sleep medications), and Stimulants (ADHD drugs).

Some Commonly Prescribed Medications: Use and Consequences

Opioids Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet) Propoxyphene (Darvon) Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Meperidine (Demerol) Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) Morphine (Kadian, Avinza, MS Contin) Codeine Fentanyl (Duragesic) Methadone	CNS Depressants Barbiturates Mephobarbital (Mebaral) Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal) Benzodiazepines Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (Librium) Alprazolam (Xanax) Triazolam (Halcion) Estazolam (ProSom) Clonazepam (Klonopin) Lorazepam (Ativan)	Stimulants Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine and Adderall) Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta)
Generally prescribed for Postsurgical pain relief Management of acute or chronic pain Relief of cough and diarrhea	Generally prescribed for Anxiety Tension Panic attacks Acute stress reactions Sleep disorders Anesthesia (at high doses)	Generally prescribed for Narcolepsy Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Depression that does not respond to other treatment
In the body Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking the perception of pain.	In the body CNS depressants slow brain activity through actions on the GABA system, producing a calming effect.	In the body Stimulants enhance brain activity, causing an increase in alertness, attention, and energy.
Effects of short-term use Alleviates pain Drowsiness Constipation Depressed respiration (depending on dose)	Effects of short-term use A "sleepy" and uncoordinated feeling during the first few days; as the body becomes accustomed (tolerant) to the effects, these feelings diminish.	Effects of short-term use Elevated blood pressure Increased heart rate Increased respiration Suppressed appetite Sleep deprivation
Effects of long-term use Potential for physical dependence and addiction	Effects of long-term use Potential for physical dependence and addiction	Effects of long-term use Potential for physical dependence and addiction
Possible negative effects Severe respiratory depression or death following a large single dose	Possible negative effects Seizures following a rebound in brain activity after reducing or discontinuing use	Possible negative effects Dangerously high body temperature or an irregular heartbeat after taking high doses Cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures For some stimulants, hostility or feelings of paranoia after taking high doses repeatedly over a short period of time
Should not be used with Other substances that cause CNS depression, including Alcohol Antihistamines Barbiturates Benzodiazepines General anesthetics	Should not be used with Other substances that cause CNS depression, including Alcohol Prescription opioid pain medicines Some OTC cold and allergy medications	Should not be used with OTC decongestant medications Antidepressants, unless supervised by a physician Some asthma medications

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2021, December 16). Commonly Abused Prescription Medications, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, July 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/prescription-drugs/commonly-abused-prescription-medications

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD