Tag: Drug misuse

According to a 2019 study on non-depressed primates, chronic exposure to an SSRI (sertraline) produced changes in brain architecture. This suggests that for those without a diagnosed need, the answer to the question, 'What if a healthy person takes antidepressants?' is not a simple feel-good outcome, but a cascade of potentially harmful and disruptive effects on normal neurochemical balance and brain function.

Prescription stimulant misuse is a significant public health concern, with one study finding that in 2021 alone, more than 3.7 million Americans misused prescription stimulants like Concerta. Taking Concerta without a medical diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can produce unpredictable and dangerous effects, from overstimulation to serious cardiovascular complications.

Recent studies have revealed concerning associations between long-term gabapentin use and increased risks of cognitive issues, including dementia and mild cognitive impairment. This highlights a growing need to understand the potential long-term damage from gabapentin, particularly for individuals on prolonged therapy for chronic pain or seizures. While effective for its approved uses, long-term consumption requires careful consideration of its effects on overall health.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription CNS depressant misuse can lead to substance use disorder, with severe cases resulting in addiction. An addictive drug that slows brain function is typically categorized as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, a class of substances that includes benzodiazepines, opioids, and alcohol.

The effects of gabapentin can vary significantly depending on the individual, the dosage, and the reason for taking it. While many feel relief from symptoms like nerve pain or anxiety, others may experience noticeable side effects, and feelings of intoxication can occur with misuse.

In 2023, gabapentin was the ninth most prescribed medication in the US, but many users wonder: Does gabapentin act like a sedative? While not a traditional sedative like a benzodiazepine, gabapentin frequently causes drowsiness and has calming effects that can aid sleep.

According to the CDC, antihistamines were involved in nearly 4% of all U.S. drug overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020, demonstrating that taking too much antihistamine can be harmful and potentially fatal. While common over-the-counter allergy medications are generally safe when used as directed, exceeding the recommended dose can lead to severe toxicity and life-threatening complications.

With alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, being one of the most commonly misused prescription drugs, a multitude of street names and code words have emerged for illicit use. This guide helps to demystify what are the code names for Xanax by breaking down the terminology used in the black market.

According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), acetazolamide is a prohibited substance, listed as a diuretic and masking agent. This creates a complex situation, as many legitimately wonder **why is acetazolamide banned** despite its common medical applications for conditions such as altitude sickness and glaucoma.

In pharmacology, slang terms often emerge from the physical characteristics of pills, leading to informal names like the "blue pill" or "football." Understanding what is a blue pill called football requires delving into both prescription medications and potential drug misuse scenarios.