Drug Awareness Quiz

Overview of Commonly Abused Drugs and Their Effects

• Salicylates, including aspirin, are analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome in children with viral infections.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an analgesic and antipyretic drug that can cause hepatotoxicity in overdose, which is treated with acetylcysteine.
• Ibuprofen is a less toxic analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug than salicylates or acetaminophen, while naproxen has a low potential for toxicity.
• Lithium is used as a treatment for bipolar disorder and is measured through flame photometry or ISE.
• Sedatives and minor tranquilizers, such as benzodiazepines, are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures.
• Major tranquilizers, like phenothiazines and butyrophenones, are used to treat psychotic disorders, anxiety, nausea, and manic symptoms, but can cause tardive dyskinesia.
• Tricyclic antidepressants and fluoxetine (Prozac) are used to treat depression, insomnia, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
• Ethyl alcohol is the most commonly abused substance and has legal blood alcohol level limits for driving.
• Methanol, also known as "wood alcohol," is a common contaminant of homemade liquors and can cause toxicity.
• Opiates, including morphine, codeine, and heroin, are derived from opium poppy and can cause analgesia, sedation, and addiction.
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and thiopental, are sedative-hypnotics that can cause sedation, impaired judgment, and require activated charcoal as an antidote.
• Cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP) are stimulants and hallucinogens that can cause CNS hyperarousal and addiction. Marijuana and LSD are also commonly abused hallucinogens.