PRESCRIPTION PAIN RELIEVERS

Prescriptions account for the second most abused kind of illicit drug following marijuana.  Though they have a great deal of beneficial use when taken as prescribed and by the people for whom they are meant, addiction and other unwanted side effects if used by anyone else.  

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OPIOID PAIN RELIEVERS

These include drugs such as oxycodone (OxyCotin), hydrocdone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and others.  

Though most are used to treat pain, some, like codeine, can be used to treat other symptoms such as severe coughs.  

Because the prescriptions vary, so too do symptoms of taking the drugs in dangerous amounts.

EFFECTS ON MIND

- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Confusion

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EFFECTS ON BODY

- Depressed Breathing
- Constricted Pupils
- Constipation

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WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

- Muscle Aches
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Runny Nose
- Sweating
- Increased Heart Rate
- Hypertension
- Fever
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps
- Stomach Cramps
- Depression

OVERDOSE SYMPOMS

- Shallow Breathing

- Confusion
- Lessened alertness
- Small Pupils
- Unresponsiveness
- Loss of Consciousness
- Blue Skin from Poor Circulation

WHAT TO DO FOR SOMEONE OVERDOSING

- Call for Medical Assistance Immediately
- Stay with the person until help arrives