Prescription Drugs: What You Don’t Know

Prescription drugs taken recreationally fall into the following main categories:

• Depressants: These drugs, also known as central nervous system* depressants, slow brain function. They include sedatives (used to calm and induce drowsiness) and tranquilizers (used to reduce tension or anxiety).
• Opioids and morphine derivatives†: Commonly known as painkillers, these drugs contain opium or similar substances and are used to relieve pain.
• Stimulants: These drugs increase energy and alertness, but also raise blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory (breathing) rate.
• Antidepressants: Mood-altering psychiatric drugs.

* central nervous system: the part of the body that contains the brain and spinal cord

† derivative: a chemical substance formed from a related substance

Types of Abused Prescription Drugs

Updated: 2025