National Institutes of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Visit NIDA at www.drugabuse.gov

Substances: Category and Name 

Depressants

Barbiturates

Examples of Commercial and Street Names 

Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital: barbs, reds,

tooies, yellows, yellow jackets 

 red birds, phennies,

DEA Schedule*/How Administered 

II, III, IV/injected, swallowed

Intoxication Effects/Health Risks 

Sedation/drowsiness, reduced anxiety, feelings of well-being, lowered inhibitions, 

slurred speech, poor concentration, confusion, dizziness, impaired coordination and

memory/slowed pulse, lowered blood pressure, slowed breathing, tolerance,

withdrawal, addiction; increased risk of respiratory distress and death when

combined with alcohol

for barbiturates—euphoria, unusual excitement, fever, irritability/life-threatening

withdrawal in chronic users 

Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness, sedation, weakness, dizziness, nausea, impaired

coordination, confusion, dry mouth, itching, sweating, clammy skin, constipation/

slowed or arrested breathing, lowered pulse and blood pressure, tolerance, addiction, 

unconsciousness, coma, death; risk of death increased when combined with alcohol or 

other CNS depressants

for fentanyl—80–100 times more potent analgesic than morphine

for oxycodone—muscle relaxation/twice as potent analgesic as morphine; high abuse 

potential

for codeine—less analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression than morphine

for methadone—used to treat opioid addiction and pain; significant overdose risk when

used improperly

 

Feelings of exhilaration, increased energy, mental alertness/increased heart rate,

blood pressure, and metabolism, reduced appetite, weight loss, nervousness, insomnia,

seizures, heart attack, stroke

for amphetamines—rapid breathing, tremor, loss of coordination, irritability,

anxiousness, restlessness/delirium, panic, paranoia, hallucinations, impulsive 

behavior, aggressiveness, tolerance, addiction

for methylphenidate—increase or decrease in blood pressure, digestive problems, loss

of appetite, weight loss

Euphoria, slurred speech/increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, nausea,

vomiting, confusion, paranoia, distorted visual perceptions, impaired motor function

Benzodiazepines Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin:

pills, tranks

 candy, downers, sleeping IV/swallowed

Sleep Medications 

Opioids and Morphine Derivatives**

Codeine

Ambien (zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon), Lunesta (eszopiclone)

Empirin with Codeine, Fiorinal with Codeine, Robitussin A-C, Tylen

Codeine: Captain Cody, Cody, schoolboy; (with glutethimide: doors & fo

pancakes and syrup) 

ol with 

urs, loads,

IV/swallowed 

II, III, IV/injected, swallowed

Morphine Roxanol, Duramorph: M, Miss Emma, monkey, white stuff II, III/injected, swallowed, smoked 

Methadone Methadose, Dolophine: fizzies, amidone, (with MDMA: chocolate chip cookies) II/swallowed, injected 

Fentanyl and analogs Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze: Apache, China girl, dance fever, friend, goodfella, 

jackpot, murder 8, TNT, Tango and Cash 

II/injected, smoked, snorted 

Other Opioid Pain Relievers: 

 Oxycodone HCL 

 Hydrocodone Bitartrate Hydromorphone 

 Oxymorphone 

 Meperidine 

 Propoxyphene 

Stimulants

Amphetamines

Tylox, Oxycontin, Percodan, Percocet: Oxy, O.C., oxycotton, oxycet, hillbilly 

heroin, percs 

Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet: vike, Watson-387 

Dilaudid: juice, smack, D, footballs, dillies 

Opana, Numorphan, Numorphone: biscuits, blue heaven, blues, Mrs. O, octagons, 

stop signs, O Bomb 

Demerol, meperidine hydrochloride: demmies, pain killer 

Darvon, Darvocet 

Biphetamine, Dexedrine, Adderall: bennies, black beauties, crosses, hearts,

LA turnaround, speed, truck drivers, uppers

II, III, IV/chewed, swallowed, snorted, injected, 

suppositories 

II/injected, swallowed, smoked, snorted

Methylphenidate 

Other Compounds

Dextromethorphan (DXM) 

Concerta, Ritalin: JIF, MPH, R-ball, Skippy, the smart drug, vitamin R 

Found in some cough and cold medications: Robotripping, Robo, Triple C 

II/injected, swallowed, snorted 

not scheduled/swallowed 

* Schedule I and II drugs have a high potential for abuse. They require greater storage security and have a quota on manufacturing, among other restrictions. Schedule I drugs are available for research only and have no approved medical use. Schedule II drugs are available 

only by prescription and require a new prescription for each refill. Schedule III and IV drugs are available by prescription, may have five refills in 6 months, and may be ordered orally. Most Schedule V drugs are available over the counter.

** Taking drugs by injection can increase the risk of infection through needle contamination with staphylococci, HIV, hepatitis, and other organisms. Injection is a more common practice for opioids, but risks apply to any medication taken by injection.
Facts About 

Prescription Drug Abuse

Medications can be effective when they are used properly, but some can be 

addictive and dangerous when abused. This chart provides a brief look at some 

prescribed medications that—when used in ways or by people other than 

prescribed—have the potential for adverse medical consequences, including 

addiction.

In 2010, approximately 16 million Americans reported using a prescription drug for 

nonmedical reasons in the past year; 7 million in the past month.

What types of prescription drugs are abused?

Three types of drugs are abused most often: 

•	 Opioids—prescribed for pain relief

•	 CNS depressants—barbiturates and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or

sleep problems (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers) 

•	 Stimulants—prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the

sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity.

How can you help prevent prescription drug abuse?

•	 Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medication, especially if you are

unsure about its effects. 

•	 Keep your doctor informed about all medications you are taking, including

over-the-counter medications. 

•	 Read the information your pharmacist provides before starting to take

medications. 

•	 Take your medication(s) as prescribed.

•	 Keep all prescription medications secured at all times and properly dispose of

any unused medications.

~7.0 Million Americans Reported Past-Month Use of

Rx Drugs for Nonmedical Purposes in 2010

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1.1

2.6

5.1

Millions of Americans

Stimulants Pain

Relievers

Sedatives and

Tranquilizers

Source: Office of Applied Studies, Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2010

After Marijuana, Prescription and Over-the-Counter 

Medications* Account for Most of the 

Commonly Abused Drugs

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Percent

Hashish

Vicodin*

Cough Medicine*

Adderal*

Tranquilizers*

Salvia

Hallucinogens

OxyContin*

Sedatives*

MDMA

Inhalants

Cocaine

Ritalin*

*Nonmedical Use

Source: University of Michigan, 2010 Monitoring the Future Study

Prevalence of Past-Year Drug Use Among 12th Graders

Categories are not mutually exclusive

Marijuana/

(any form)

(Ecstasy)

34.8

8.0

6.6 6.5 5.6 5.5 5.5 5.1 4.8 4.5

2.7 3.6 2.9

Order NIDA publications from DrugPubs: 

1-877-643-2644 or 1-240-645-0228 (TTY/TDD)

This chart may be reprinted. Citation of the source is appreciated. Revised October 2011