The worst types of drugs are those that cause the most harm. Research conducted by D. Nutt and published in Lancet in 2007, classified drugs by three factors that together determine harm, namely physical harm to the user caused by the drug, tendency of the drug to induce dependence, and effect of drug use on families, communities, and society. Barbiturates, benzodiazepines and amphetamines are the top three groups of prescription drugs that cause harm.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are synthetic sedative hypnotics that slow down the functions of the body and are used to cause sleeplessness and anxiety, says the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association. Barbiturates commonly prescribed include amobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital and secobarbital. In small doses, barbiturates can relax the muscles and slow down breathing, heartbeat and the central nervous system. In larger doses they can cause drowsiness, unconsciousness and death. Drinking alcohol with barbiturates can also be fatal. Barbiturates are highly addictive, drug tolerance builds up to them and users can become dependent with severe withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have rapidly replaced many barbiturates because they are more effective and safer in treating anxiety. Nonetheless, benzodiazepines can cause tolerance, addiction and abuse, and have harmful side effects. Research by L.P. Longo published in American Family Physician in 2000, shows that benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam and lorazepam are widely prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, are relatively safe and, with overdose, rarely result in death. Yet, when used chronically, benzodiazepines can be addicting. Moreover, benzodiazepines are often taken in combination with antidepressants, anticonvulsants, buspirone, antihypertensive agents and newer neuroleptic medications. These other medications can increase blood levels of the benzodiazepine, exacerbating side effects and fatality. Alcohol can increase the risk of death. Side effects from benzodiazepines include memory impairment, drowsiness, poor concentration, muscle weakness and incoordination, and vertigo. Depression, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms can also occur. Research by M.A. Lann published in the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology in 2009 reported a patient who died from withdrawal symptoms four days after discontinuing alprazolam, a benzodiazepine traded under the name Xanax.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines belong to a group of medicines called central nervous system stimulants, according to MayoClinic.com. Amphetamines are used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, a condition of uncontrollable desire for sleep or the sudden occurrence of deep sleep. Amphetamines increase attention and decrease restlessness in individuals who are overactive, cannot concentrate, are easily distracted and have unstable emotions.
Aderall XR is a prescription drug containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. According to the product label, Aderall XR is indicated for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention beginning in children under 7 years of age. The product label warns about sudden death and structural heart conditions that include high blood pressure and heart attacks, even in normal doses in children and adults. Side effects include anorexia, loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, headache, dry mouth and abdominal pain. The drug is also a Schedule 2 controlled substance, because it can be abused and cause extreme psychological dependence.
References
- "Lancet"; Development of Scale to Assess Harm of Drugs; Nutt, D.; Mar 24 2007
- The Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association: Barbiturates
- "American Family Physician"; Addiction: Benzodiazepines--Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives; Longo, L.P.; Apr 1 2000
- "American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology"; A Fatal Case of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal; Lann, M.A.; Jun 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
