There are medicines that require a prescription and there are medicines that can be obtained without a prescription, and although the types of these medicines are numerous and endless, we will review below the main types of medicines that need a prescription and their potential harm.
Types of medications that need a prescription
Although this type includes many and many medicines, all of these medicines often fall into the following three categories according to their potential effects on the body:
1- Steroids of all kinds
If you are looking for an example of a prescription drug, anabolic steroids are a broad category that includes many of the medicinal types that fall under the term stimulants.
And stimulants are drugs that increase levels of awareness and activity in the body significantly and significantly, and it does not stop at what was mentioned, but stimulants may cause noticeable changes to a person’s behavior as if he had become another person after taking them!
This type of medicine comes with a set of potential harms if misused, as follows:
Hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or thoughts that encourage killing or harming others.
Significantly increased heart rate, which may cause strokes and heart attacks!
Severe and sudden convulsions and seizures.
Sudden weight loss due to the acceleration of metabolism in the body.
Raise blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Loss of appetite and malnutrition.
Dangerous rise in body temperature.
Addiction.
2- All kinds of sedatives
Unlike the previous type, sedatives stimulate the body to relax, so this type of medicine is usually prescribed to certain groups of people who suffer from insomnia and sleep problems and difficulties.
This type of medicine has many damages if misused, as follows:
Loss of consciousness and general problems with consciousness and alertness.
Difficulty concentrating and decreased productivity.
Sometimes dangerously lowering blood pressure levels.
Increased chances of accidents, especially when trying to drive a car under the influence of sedatives.
Problems with breathing and difficulties that may cause suffocation and death.
It is worth noting here that taking sedatives with alcohol is a lethal prescription that may cause immediate death!
3- Painkillers and opiates
Opium is used in the manufacture of many types of known painkillers, which fall under the category of "prescription drugs" because they can have devastating effects if misused due to their opium content, which can be easily addictive!
Usually strong pain relievers that fall under this category are prescribed only in special cases, such as exposure to an accident or injury in which the pain is great and unbearable, or when an operation is performed and the patient needs to be fully or partially sedated.
But this type of medicine may cause many harms if misused, as follows:
Addiction with very bad symptoms when trying to leave the drug, which makes the patient want to continue taking it.
Unconsciousness.
Severe and severe constipation.
Coma or even death when these drugs are consumed in large doses.
Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Problems with speech and speech.
It is worth noting here that taking pain relievers and opioids with antidepressants or alcohol may cause immediate death!
Important tips and advice
All of the above are prescription drugs for rational and clear reasons, as any wrong use of this type of medicine could be fatal. So follow the following tips and guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones from any possible negative effects of these medications:
Only buy these medicines legally and with a prescription from your doctor.
Only comply with the instructions on the prescription regarding how to use the medicine and the dose to take.
Ask your doctor about medication effects, dosage, and when to stop.
Learn about the side effects of this medicine from your doctor, so that you can prepare mentally and in advance for possible side effects.
Do not allow anyone to take the medicine that was prescribed to you, this medicine is prescribed for you and your condition only, and in a specified dose and for a short period.
Never crush medicated capsules, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Never take the mentioned medicines with alcohol, antidepressants, or any other medicine.
Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, and do not buy and take a new carton except with a prescription.