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Opioids
Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Propoxyphene (Darvon)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Meperidine (Demerol)
Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
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CNS Depressants
Barbiturates
Mephobarbital (Mebaral)
Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal)
Benzodiazepines
Diazepam (Valium)
Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (Librium)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Estazolam (ProSom)
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Stimulants
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate (Meridia)
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Generally prescribed for
Postsurgical pain relief
Management of acute or chronic pain
Relief of coughs and diarrhea |
Generally prescribed for
Anxiety
Tension
Panic attacks
Acute stress reactions
Sleep disorders
Anesthesia (at high doses)
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Generally prescribed for
Narcolepsy
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Depression that does not respond to other treatment
Short-term treatment of obesity
Asthma |
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In the body
Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain messages to the brain. |
In the body
CNS depressants slow brain activity through actions on the GABA system and, therefore, produce a calming effect. |
In the body
Stimulants enhance brain activity, causing an increase in alertness, attention, and energy. |
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Effects of short-term use
Blocked pain messages
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
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Effects of long-term use
Potential for tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, and/or addiction |
Effects of long-term use
Potential for tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, and/or addiction |
Effects of long-term use
Potential for addiction |
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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 temperatures 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 |
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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 over-the-counter cold and allergy medications |
Should not be used with
Over-the-counter cold medicines containing decongestants
Antidepressants, unless supervised by a physician
Some asthma medications |
Drug Information 
