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Prescription Drug Addiction

The effects of prescription drug abuse are different from those that are seen when prescription medication is taken properly. In some instances, though, it’s still hard to determine if effects are being caused by abuse or if the person taking the medication is simply very sensitive to the drug’s action, even though proper dosage instructions are being followed.There are some guidelines, however, that one can use to determine if prescription drug abuse is occurring. Some are listed below, but this should not be considered an all-inclusive list.

Movement

A person who is abusing his or her anti-depressant, however, may actually have to exaggerate normal movements in order to compensate for having taken too much medication. His or her speech may be slow to the point that it is almost methodical; further, he or she may not only stumble over words but have trouble finding the right words, to the point that there is a protracted delay in her conversation while she searches for the words.

His or her movements may be too deliberate – reaching slowly for a piece of paper, for example, or having to concentrate too fully on being able to pick something up. He or she may be unable to control her gait and balance, stumbling when he or she walks, swaying when she is standing still, and other things. His or her eyes may appear unfocused, and she may squint or blink as if she were having trouble seeing.

Mental

The intention for prescription drugs such as anti-depressants, painkillers, and stimulants, is to control the condition to the extent that a person can function normally. If a person is abusing anti-depressants or painkillers, however, he or she may be acting as though he or she is “in a fog.” His or her thoughts may be disorganized or he may even display incoherence in his speech. He or she is sluggish, and it is evident that he or she just isn’t “with the program.”

Verbal

Someone abusing stimulants may be just the opposite. Their speech is rapid, their thoughts may be racing so fast that they cannot finish a sentence or complete an activity. Their personality traits may be exaggerated – they are too “bubbly”, too loud, or even too aggressive.

A person taking an anti-depressant exactly as it is prescribed may exhibit a calm, “laid-back” demeanor, but he or she is still functioning normally. He or she is able to carry on her duties, her speech is clear for the most part (he or she may stumble over words occasionally, but who doesn’t?), and he or she displays adequate mental alertness.

Emotions

Prescription drug abuse can cause a person to exhibit unusual behavior. A person who normally can control his or her anger may suddenly have unexplained outbursts of anger. He or she may exhibit signs of dangerous aggression – provoking confrontations, or engaging in episodes of physical or mental abuse.

Further, prescription drug abuse can cause people who normally do not exhibit feelings of anxiety or paranoia to start expressing these feelings. Inability to handle even the simplest tasks or constant fear of “being watched” can both be signs of prescription drug abuse. If a person is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, emotional effects can include extreme depression. As withdrawal worsens, they may begin hallucinating.

Clonidine Abuse, Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Clonidine use can cause the symptoms of anxiety, agitation, and muscles aches to diminish, it can be very helpful during opioid withdrawal treatment. In addition, it can even minimize issues with the flu-like symptoms normally associated with this syndrome (NLM). Unfortunately, though, this has led to some misuse where the medication itself is concerned, and dangerous consequences can sometimes result. It is important to take the drug carefully.
Anexsia Abuse, Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Anexsia is a combination product containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen. One of the most dangerous risks associated with taking Anexsia is overdose. Even a single large dose [of an opioid drug] can cause severe respiratory depression and death. Overdose caused by these drugs is extremely serious, and an individual experiencing it will need to be rushed to the hospital immediately for treatment. As a result of the acetaminophen in the drug, liver failure is also a possibility.
Halcion Abuse, Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment
Halcion is the brand name of the medication triazolam, a benzodiazepine. This medication is prescribed to treat insomnia and can be very effective, although when abused, it can cause serious side effects. In some cases, psychotic symptoms can even occur. Kidney and liver problems can also sometimes occur in those who take Halcion and have experienced issues in these areas before. It is important to discuss every possible complication with you doctor.
Methadone Abuse, Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
One of the biggest risks associated with this medication is misuse. Methadone is an extremely physically addictive drug,” which is why its use is highly regulated in specifically licensed clinics. Certain effects associated with methadone can be very dangerous. Because the drug is an opioid, a person can still overdose on it, which means that shallow or no breathing, coma, and extreme drowsiness are all signs of an overdose. Idividuals may experience seizures as a result of this medication.
Panacet Abuse, Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Panacet is one of the many brand name drugs containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen,” and it can decrease your respiration as a result of the hydrocodone and alcohol combining. Large doses of Panacet can cause severe respiratory depression to the point where the individual stops breathing. Liver failure can also result from large amounts of acetaminophen being taken.
Palladone Abuse, Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Palladone is a brand name, extended-release medication containing hydromorphone, a powerful opioid drug. Palladone use can have certain risks, especially those associated with high doses. Overdose, whether accidental or purposeful, can cause severe respiratory depression, which can end in coma, brain damage, and even death. Decreased sexual desire, hallucinations and seizures could be a sign of dangerous reactions to the medication.
Temesta Abuse, Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Temesta is a brand name medication containing lorazepam, a benzodiazepine. Those who take a medication of this type for more than a few weeks will often become dependent on it. It is EXTREMELY important that a person dependent on Temesta never stops taking the drug suddenly, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe, even deadly. A Temesta overdose can be deadly. Sedative medications can slow one’s breathing to a dangerous degree, possibly causing a coma, brain damage, and even death.
Tussionex Abuse, Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Tussionex is a prescription form of cough syrup that contains chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone. Tussionex can cause a dangerous overdose if taken in large enough doses. The drug, like other opioid-based medications, can cause respiratory depression to the point of stopping one’s breathing altogether, and an individual who overdoses on it will require immediate treatment. Possible effects of a Tussionex overdose include coma, brain damage and death.
Ryzolt Abuse, Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Ryzolt is one of the brand names of the opioid drug tramadol. Ryzolt can be habit-forming, but it can also cause severe effects like no other opioid can, including a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome seen in certain patients. Tramadol withdrawal” is a syndrome associated with hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks and other psychotic effects. A person could potentially overdose on the drug, causing respiratory depression that can be deadly.
Roxicodone Abuse, Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Roxicodone is one of the many brand name drugs containing the opioid oxycodone. While the medication can be helpful for the treatment of pain, it can also become addictive if abused. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, oxycodone products can cause an “increased pressure of cerebral and spinal fluid,” which can be potentially dangerous. In addition, seizures sometimes occur as a side effect of taking Roxicodone, but this is a rare occurrence.

Addressing the Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse

If a person feels that he or she is witnessing the effects of prescription drug abuse in a person, he or she should first ascertain that there is no danger of that person harming themselves or others. From there, he or she should address any physical symptoms – labored breathing, rapid or slowed heartbeat, or loss of consciousness.

If physical symptoms are not that evident, but rather the effects of prescription drug abuse are being manifested in mental and emotional responses, again the first thing to do is to ensure both the affected person’s safety and the safety of those within proximity of the person. From there, whatever symptoms are being manifested should be addressed as calmly as possible.

For extreme aggressiveness, removing the person from the immediate environment or situation and perhaps even isolating him, although with supervision, may help counteract the aggressive behavior. This may also work if one is showing signs of paranoia or anxiety. If necessary, emergency medical treatment should be sought, especially if it appears that physical manifestations are becoming serious.