Prescription drug abuse isn’t going away anytime soon.
And your independent community pharmacy is in a unique position to help combat abuse.
But do you know what drugs are most commonly abused?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released its 2017 guide to commonly abused drugs to serve as a resource for health practitioners like you.
The list of commonly abused drugs is long and detailed, and you’re busy taking care of patients and running a business. So, with the help of National Drug Institute on Abuse’s drug charts, we’re giving you a list of the top 10 prescription drugs that have a high-abuse and high-dependence risk.
Opioids
1. Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone products are most commonly prescribed for a variety of indications, including dental- and injury-related pain.
Commercial names: Vicodin®, Lortab®, Lorcet®, and others
Forms: Capsule, liquid, tablet
Common ways taken: Swallowed, snorted, injected
2. Morphine
Morphine is frequently used to treat moderate to severe pain, often used before and after surgical procedures.
Commercial names: Duramorph®, Roxanol®
Forms: Tablet, liquid, capsule, suppository
Common ways taken: Injected, swallowed, smoked
3. Codeine
Codeine is typically used to treat mild to moderate degrees of pain.
It’s sometimes used for coughs and diarrhea.
Commercial names: Various
Forms: Tablet, capsule, liquid
Common ways taken: Injected, swallowed (often mixed with soda and flavorings)
4. Methadone
Methadone is used for moderate to severe pain and as maintenance therapy.
It’s also used to help ween people off opioid dependence.
Commercial names: Dolophine®, Methadose®
Forms: Tablet, dispersible tablet, liquid
Common ways taken: Swallowed, injected
5. Fentanyl
Fentanyl is extremely potent and treats severe pain, often chronic conditions.
It has one of the highest risks of abuse and dependence.
Commercial names: Actiq®, Duragesic®, Sublimaze®
Forms: Lozenge, sublingual tablet, film, buccal tablet
Common ways taken: Injected, smoked, snorted
6. Oxycodone
Oxycodone is used for moderate to moderately severe acute or chronic pain.
It has numerous brand names and is one of the most commonly abused opioids due to its ubiquity.
Commercial names: OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, and others
Forms: Capsule, liquid, tablet
Common ways taken: Swallowed, snorted, injected
Stimulants
7. Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system (CNS).
It’s sometimes used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and as a short-term component of weight-loss treatments.
Commercial names: Desoxyn®
Forms: White powder or pill
Common ways taken: Swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected
8. Amphetamine
Amphetamine is one of the most commonly prescribed types of CNS stimulants used to treat ADHD. It’s also used for narcolepsy and obesity.
Commercial names: Adderall®, Benzedrine®, Dexedrine®
Forms: Tablet, capsule
Common ways taken: Swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected
9. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is another common CNS stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
Commercial names: Concerta®, Ritalin®
Forms: Liquid, tablet, chewable tablet, capsule
Common ways taken: Swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected, chewed
Sedatives
10. Pentobarbital
Pentobarbital is in the family of prescription sedatives, which slow brain activity.
It’s commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep problems.
Commercial names: Nembutal®
Forms: Pill, capsule, liquid
Common ways taken: Swallowed, injected
With these commonly abused drugs top-of-mind, you can better help prevent prescription drug abuse.
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