Oxycontin and Prescription Drug Facts

Common Terms Associated with OxyContin

What Types of Prescription Medication are Commonly Abused?

Several classes of medications that are commonly abused include opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can also be abused when not taken as directed. It is important to note that many prescription drugs or OTC medications can produce dangerous health effects when taken concurrently or taken with alcohol.

    * Opioids. Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat pain. Examples of prescription opioids include morphine (Kadian, Avinza), codeine, oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet), hydrocodone (Lortab, Lorcet, Vicodin), propoxyphene (Darvon), fentanyl (Duragesic), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Opioids work in the brain to diminish the perception of pain. Opioids also can produce a sense of euphoria by affecting pleasure centers in the brain. This is often intensified when opioids are taken by routes other than those prescribed. For example, OxyContin can be crushed and snorted, or injected intravenously-this can enhance the euphoric effects, while at the same time increasing the risk for serious medical consequences, such as overdose.

    * CNS Depressants. CNS depressants commonly are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders because of their ability to slow normal brain function. These medications include barbiturates, such as mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), butalbital (Fioricet), and benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide HCl (Librium), alprazolam (Xanax), triazolam (Halcion), and others.

    * Stimulants. Stimulants, including dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine and Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta), are used primarily to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and narcolepsy. These stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals in the brain and peripheral nervous system. This can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate, and increased blood glucose.

Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse, Street Terms: Drugs and the Drug Trade, OxyContin Drug Terms