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Prescription Drugs > The Five Drug Classes
Stimulants
Stimulants enhance brain activity, increasing alertness and energy to help control conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or the sleep disorder, narcolepsy. Examples of brand name prescription stimulants are Desoxyn® and Ritalin®. Read More about stimulants.
CNS Depressants
Central Nervous System depressants slow down normal brain function. They are useful in treating anxiety and sleep disorders. Ativan®, Valium®, and Xanax®, are examples of different brand names of prescription CNS depressants. Read More about CNS depressants.
Narcotics
Narcotics are also known as opioid analgesics. Opioid analgesics are pain relief medications that work by blocking pain messages to the brain. They provide relief to people who are experiencing pain due to disease, injury or surgery. Examples of brand name prescription opioid analgesics include Actiq®, Dilaudid®, OxyContin®, Percocet® and Vicodin®. Read More about analgesics.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are drugs and substances that are mood-altering and can cause distorted thinking. Some hallucinogens are found in some plants and fungi – such as mushrooms. Others are manmade. The effects of hallucinogens like LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy) and mescaline tend to be unpredictable.
Anabolic Steroids
Prescription anabolic steroids were developed to treat male hormone deficiencies that prevent normal development and function. They are often abused because they seem to have the ability to increase muscle development. Anadrol®, Oxandrin®, and Winstrol® are brand names of prescription anabolic steroids.
Here is some other information on prescription drugs that you may find helpful. This information may help you understand what they are and why they are available only through a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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