Prescription medications offer solutions to injury or illness, mental disorders and dysfunction to organs in the body. The drugs work well when used properly, relieving a variety of symptoms, though minor side effects may occur. Some drug classes pose the possibility of being misused, leading to more serious effects.
Opioids
Pain killing opioids include oxycodone, propoxyphene, hyrdrocodone, meperidine, morphine, codeine, fentanyl and methadone. The drugs work effectively to treat postsurgical pain, acute pain or chronic pain as well as offer relief from such conditions as cough and diarrhea, notes the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids interfere with opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals throughout the body. While relieving pain, the drugs may also result in drowsiness, depressed respiration and constipation. Opioids have a strong tendency to cause physical dependence and addiction when misused. This can lead to severe respiratory problems and even death.
Depressants
Depressants treat anxiety or tension, panic attacks, stress and sleep disorders. Barbiturates include mephobarbital and penobarbital sodium. Doctors also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam, alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam and lorazepam. Depressants alter brain chemistry to produce calming effects. They can cause sleepiness and coordination difficulties when first taken. Misuse may lead to addiction, which can lead to seizures in some cases.
Stimulants
Stimulants help produce alertness and energy by enhancing brain activity. People with depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy may benefit from stimulants. Stimulants include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Side effects include increased heart rate or respiration, higher blood pressure, sleep deprivation and suppressed appetite. Potential for addiction or misuse may lead to high body temperatures and irregular heartbeat. Hostility, agitation and heart failure or seizures may occur.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
People with high blood cholesterol levels can lower cholesterol through various medications. Statins block substances in the liver where cholesterol is made, MayoClinic.com explains. Binding resins bind to bile acids so the liver makes more bile acids to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors limit the absorption of dietary cholesterol. Triglycerides, which also contribute to fatty deposit buildup in the bloodstream to contribute to heart disease, can decrease with medication such as fibrates that remove triglycerides from the blood and prescription niacin that limits the production of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Medication to reduce high blood pressure can work effectively while producing few if any side effects, FamilyDoctor.org notes. Diuretics rid the body of extra sodium and fluid to relieve the blood vessels. Beta-blockers block adrenaline and alpha-blockers keep blood vessels open. Calcium channel blocks block calcium from entering the cells to prevent constriction of blood vessels. ACE inhibitors and ARBs keep the blood vessels open by reducing chemicals in the body that constrict blood vessels.
Thyroid Medication
Thyroid dysfunction occurs when the thyroid gland does not work properly, affecting function in the brain, heart, kidneys, liver and skin. It can lead to fatigue, heart palpitations, tremors, muscle weakness, weight loss, menstrual problems, depression and mood swings. Drugs such as propylthioracil and methimazole slow down the production of the thyroid hormone. Side effects may include skin rash, upset stomach and drowsiness. Rare side effects include sore throat, fever, decreased white blood cells and liver disease.
