Prescription drugs can be effective at treating a variety of medical issues, but they can also be misused.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drugs are the third most commonly abused category of drugs, after alcohol and marijuana. Prescription drug abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death.

1. Opioids

Opioids are a type of prescription drug used to treat pain. They work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce the sensation of pain. Opioids can be highly addictive, and their misuse can lead to overdose and death.

Commonly misused opioids include:.

Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Morphine (MS Contin)
Fentanyl (Duragesic)

2. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription drug used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They work by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain that produces a calming effect.

Benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, and their misuse can lead to overdose and death.

Commonly misused benzodiazepines include:.

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)

3. Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. They work by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain that increase alertness, attention, and energy.

Stimulants can be highly addictive, and their misuse can lead to overdose and death.

Commonly misused stimulants include:.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
Dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
Amphetamine (Dexedrine)
Modafinil (Provigil)

4. Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills are a class of prescription drug used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. They work by inducing drowsiness and promoting sleep. Sleeping pills can be habit-forming, and their misuse can lead to overdose and death.

Commonly misused sleeping pills include:.

Zolpidem (Ambien)
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Zaleplon (Sonata)

5. Steroids

Steroids are a class of prescription drug used to treat inflammation and other medical conditions. They work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Steroids can be misused to enhance athletic performance and build muscle mass.

Steroid misuse can lead to a range of side effects, including acne, liver damage, and heart disease.

Commonly misused steroids include:.

Testosterone
Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin)
Oxandrolone (Anavar)
Methandrostenolone (Dianabol)

6. Antidepressants

Antidepressants are a class of prescription drug used to treat depression and other mood disorders. They work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood.

Antidepressants can be highly effective, but their misuse can lead to overdose and death.

Commonly misused antidepressants include:.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)

7. ADHD Medications

ADHD medications are a class of prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior.

ADHD medications can be misused to enhance academic or athletic performance. ADHD medication misuse can lead to a range of side effects, including high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and psychosis.

Commonly misused ADHD medications include:.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
Dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Guanfacine (Intuniv)

8. Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants are a class of prescription drug used to treat muscle spasms and spasticity. They work by reducing muscle activity and inducing relaxation. Muscle relaxants can be habit-forming, and their misuse can lead to overdose and death.

Commonly misused muscle relaxants include:.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Baclofen
Diazepam (Valium)

9. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are a class of prescription drug used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics can be misused to treat viral infections or to promote growth in livestock.

Antibiotic misuse can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Commonly misused antibiotics include:.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)

10. Pain Relievers

Pain relievers are a class of prescription drug used to treat pain. They work by blocking pain signals to the brain. Pain relievers can be habit-forming, and their misuse can lead to overdose and death.

Commonly misused pain relievers include:.