Signs of prescription pill addiction

What red flags indicate that prescription pills have become a problem in your life? Prescription pill addiction can be characterized by increased tolerance for a drug or by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken. But what are some other signs of Rx dependency? More here.

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Symptoms of prescription pill abuse

Prescription pills used for non medical reasons are considered illicit drugs by the U.S. government. People who are using prescription drugs to get high may exhibit some of the following signs and symptoms. If you observe any of the symptoms or side effects of prescription drug misuse listed below, contact a doctor immediately.

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SIGNS OF BARBITUATE USE

  • confusion
  • depression
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • irritability
  • sedation
  • slurred speech

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SIGNS OF OPIOID PAIN KILLER USE

Opioid pain killer use is particularly characterized by increasing tolerance for the drug. In other words, people who take pain killers over time eventually need more and more of the drug or a combination of drugs to produce the same effect of a high or euphoric feeling. Other signs of opiod use include:

  • apathy
  • constipation
  • drowsiness
  • flushing of the face and neck
  • inability to concentrate
  • lack of energy
  • nausea
  • pupil constriction
  • slowed breathing
  • vomiting

SYMPTOMS OF OPIOID PAIN KILLER WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal symptoms occur when you stop taking a drug. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable but are not life threatening. Symptoms usually start 12-30 of last dosage and include:

  • abdominal cramping
  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • diarrhea
  • dilated pupils
  • goose bumps
  • muscle aches
  • increased tearing
  • insomnia
  • nausea
  • runny nose
  • sweating
  • vomiting
  • yawning

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SIGNS OF DEPRESSANT USE

  • dilated pupils
  • fatigue
  • feelings of confusion
  • impaired judgment
  • intoxication
  • loss of motor coordination
  • lower blood pressure
  • lower inhibitions
  • poor concentration
  • relaxed muscles
  • slowed breathing
  • slurred speech

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSANT WITHDRAWAL

Depressants work by slowing brain activity, so when you stop taking then, brain activity can rebound and race out of control. This is why you should not stop taking depressants alone. Withdrawal can have life-threatening complications and cause seizures, convulsions, delirium, or even death. Withdrawal symptoms of depressant use include:

  • anxiety
  • delerium
  • insomnia
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle tremors
  • seizure
  • weakness

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SIGNS OF STIMULANT USE

Excessive stimulant use (especially when combined with exercise) can cause death, but usually follows a high fever, convulsions, and heart failure. Other signs of stimulant use include:

  • abdominal cramps
  • aggression
  • anxiety
  • chest pain with palpitations
  • decreased appetite
  • delusions
  • dilated pupils
  • dizziness
  • excessive sweating
  • feelings of panic
  • feelings of restlessness
  • flushed skin
  • headache
  • high blood pressure
  • homicidal tendencies
  • hostility
  • increased breathing rate
  • increased heart rate
  • loss of coordination
  • paranoia with auditory and visual hallucinations
  • suicidal tendencies
  • tremors
  • vomiting

SYMPTOMS OF STIMULANT WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal symptoms from stimulants may include:

  • apathy
  • depression
  • disturbance of sleep patterns
  • fatigue

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To learn more about seeking help for a prescription pill addiction, check out the four simple steps in help for drug addicts.

Reference Sources:
Parent, the anti-drug website
DEA website
National Libraries of Medicine, Medline Plus summary
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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