Oxycontin® is a pain medication whose potential for abuse is very high.

It is an extremely effective analgesic called Oxycodone. Other products containing Oxycodone, like Percocet® and Percodan® have been abused for years. The reason why Oxycontin® is of particular concern is because of its time release characteristic. The drug is designed to be taken orally and it will break down slowly, so its effects last for up to 12 hours.

This makes the drug ideal for those who suffer constant pain and need medication at all times. However, if Oxycontin® is crushed and inhaled, chewed up and swallowed, or injected; the time release factor is bypassed. A large dose of Oxycodoneis released into the bloodstream all at once, sometimes with fatal results. Use of narcotic analgesics over time can result in addiction and physical dependence. If the drug is discontinued, severe withdrawal symptoms can occur.

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Benzodiazepines
Valium®

Valium®, or Diazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. Use of Valium® can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.

Librium®

Librium®, or Chlordiazepoxide, is a benzodiazepine used to treat short term anxiety and withdrawal symptoms of acute alcoholism. Use of Librium® can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.

Xanax®

Xanax®, or Alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks and agoraphobia. Use of Xanax® can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect. Xanax® are commonly known as bars, z's or xanies.

Ativan®

Ativan®, or Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders. Use of Ativan® can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.

Klonopin®

Klonopin®, or Clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat panic attacks and convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. Use of Klonopin® can result in addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.

Serax®

Serax®, or Oxazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders. Use of Serax® can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.

Tranxene®

Tranxene®, or Clorazepate, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. Use of Tranxene® can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.

Halcion®

Halcion®, or Triazolam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia. Use of Halcion can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve.

Dalmane®

Dalmane®, or Flurazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia. Use of Dalmane® can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.

Restoril®

Restoril®, or Temazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia. Use of Restoril can cause addiction and physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sleeplessness and anxiety to seizures and even death. Tolerance develops when the drug is taken over time, meaning that higher doses must be used to achieve the same effect.