Most Americans take at least one drug daily, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). In 2002, researchers at JAMA, led by David Kaufman, surveyed nearly 3,000 people aged 18 and up. Eighty-one percent used at least one medication in the previous week. Fifty percent took at least one prescription drug. To determine which generic drugs are most commonly used, we only have to look at trends in American health.
Warfarin
Warfarin is the generic name for Coumadin and Jantovin. It is a blood thinner, also known as an anti-coagulant, used in the prevention of heart attacks, stroke and blood clots. Warfarin can only be taken with a doctor's prescription and can have adverse side effects for people with bleeding disorders, anemia, a stomach ulcer or certain heart problems.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is the generic name for Prozac and Sarafem. Symbax is a brand-name drug that contains fluoxetine combined with another generic medication called olanzapine, a drug used to treat psychosis. Fluoxetine is prescribed for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic and anxiety attacks, certain eating disorders, and other mental health concerns. Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They increase serotonin levels in the brain, helping to minimize depression and symptoms of anxiety.
Other popular generic antidepressants include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), and paroxitine (Paxil). CNN Health reports that, from 1988 to 1994 and 1999 to 2000, antidepressant use nearly tripled among adults in the United States.
Methylphenidylacetate
Methylphenidylacetate hydrochloride is the generic name for medications with stimulant properties used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Brand names for this drug include Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin and Metadate. Also called methylphenidate, this prescription drug controls symptoms like lack of focus and the inability to stay calm and still. While it is prescribed to both children and adults, boys are given attention deficit medications at twice the rate of girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report "Health, United States 2009."
Loratadine
Loratadine is a generic name for a variety of over-the-counter allergy medications including Alavert and Claritin. Loratadine temporarily relieves symptoms of hay fever caused by pollen, dust, and other allergens. It eases itchiness in the eyes, nose and throat, and sneezing, runny nose and hives. Loratadine is in a class of drugs called antihistamines which includes a number of other generic drugs like diphenhydramine in brands like Benadryl and Triaminic. Allergic symptoms are caused by the chemical histamine naturally made in the body. Medications containing antihistamines block the action of histamine in the body, thus curbing uncomfortable symptoms.
Antibiotics
The National Institutes of Health states, "Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections." They work by killing bacteria and preventing them from reproducing. Common generic antibiotics most often prescribed include amoxicillin, amicillin and bacampicillin. The Mayo Clinic reports that, because antibiotic resistance is a very real risk, it's important to use antibiotics only for certain problems including, but not limited to, fighting bacterial and fungal infections, strep throat, influenza, and stomach flu. If used too often, antibiotics can become less effective.
