Picture of a spilled pill bottle

You’ll Need a Prescription to Buy These 3 Addictive Medications

Some medications found in pharmacies legally require a prescription from a doctor or a dentist. The reason is that some medicines have an ingredient or compound that affects the reward system of the brain. The misuse of certain drugs may not only lead to addiction but also criminal conviction if you’re found to possess more than what’s allowed in your state and without prescription.

So it’s crucial to approach medication, particularly for pain relief, with caution. Get a checkup and follow your physician’s or dentist’s direction when taking the following prescription medicines:

Adderall

Doctors prescribe this medication as a treatment for narcolepsy (a chronic sleep disorder) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which typically makes individuals energetic.

Sadly, sleep-deprived people, such as shift workers and truckers, misuse this medication. As a result, they may experience severe and unwanted side effects, such as high blood pressure and elevated breathing.

If you have a condition that’s treatable with Adderall, you first need to consult your doctor. If law enforcement officials catch you in possession of this medication without a doctor’s prescription, you could be charged with possession of Adderall.

Some states have specific laws on the improper use of Adderall. Take Florida as an example. The state considers the misuse, sale, and illegal possession of this medication as a felony. If you find yourself charged with an Adderall-related offense, a criminal defense law firm’s assistance is necessary to resolve your case.

Fentanyl

Licensed medical professionals prescribe this synthetic opioid to relieve chronic and acute pain. Patients with cancer usually take this doctor-prescribed medication to control breakthrough pain. When Fentanyl enters the bloodstream, it creates feelings of relaxation and euphoria.

Although the purpose of this medication is for pain treatment, others illegally manufacture, sell, and use it as a recreational drug. When misused, this medication may result in nightmares and hallucinations.

Fentanyl misuse may also lead to death. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of individuals in 10 states who succumbed due to opioid overdose took Fentanyl.

Ritalin

This drug contains methylphenidate, an ingredient that affects your central nervous system by boosting your brain’s dopamine levels. Doctors usually prescribe this drug for individuals with narcolepsy. Misuse of this medication may result in insomnia and agitation.  ;

Help for Friends and Family Misusing Prescription Meds

Misuse of prescription meds destroys lives. It undermines a person’s health, strains relationships, and ruins financial stability. If you suspect a loved one misusing prescription for whatever reason, they need to get professional counseling just like individuals who need help with cocaine addiction.

Here are a few things you could do:

  • Tell your friend or family member you’re highly concerned about their well-being and drug use.
  • Let them know you’re ready to help them obtain the support they need.
  • Encourage your loved one to arrange an appointment with a mental health specialist.
  • Join support groups for individuals with medication addiction.

Adderall, Fentanyl, and Ritalin are just three of the most common medications on pharmacies that require a prescription. When the doctor does prescribe you one of these medicines, you need to follow the instructions of your physician and report unusual side effects as soon as possible.