Prescription drugs are often prescribed to help patients manage different health conditions. But while these drugs can be effective, they also come with potential risks and side effects. In some cases, prescription drug use can lead to fatal consequences.

Here are three prescription drugs that pose fatal risks to users.

Opioids

Opioids are prescription drugs used to manage severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and altering how the body responds to pain. Common types of opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl.

While opioids can be effective in reducing pain, they also come with a high risk of addiction and overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 47,000 people died from opioid overdose in 2017 alone.

Opioid addiction is also a growing problem in the United States. In 2017, an estimated 1.7 million people in the U.S. suffered from substance abuse disorders related to prescription opioid use.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are prescription drugs used to manage anxiety, insomnia, and other similar conditions. They work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain.

Common types of benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. While these drugs can be effective in managing anxiety and other conditions, they also come with significant risks.

Benzodiazepine use can lead to addiction and overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs.

In 2017, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that benzodiazepine overdose deaths had increased by over 8 times from 2002 to 2015.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are prescription drugs used to manage different types of depression and anxiety disorders. They work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Common types of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta and Effexor.

While antidepressants can be effective in improving mood and reducing anxiety, they also come with potential risks. Antidepressant use can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults.

In some cases, antidepressants can also lead to a potentially fatal condition called serotonin syndrome, which occurs when there is too much serotonin in the brain.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include sweating, tremors, fever, and altered mental status.

Conclusion

Prescription drugs can be effective in managing different health conditions. However, it’s important to understand the potential risks and side effects before using these drugs.

Opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants are just three examples of prescription drugs that can pose fatal risks to users.

If you or someone you know is using prescription drugs, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about the potential risks and side effects. In some cases, alternative treatments or counseling may be a safer option.