Which medications are considered drugs? – Effects, risks and dependence explained
Not only illegal substances can be intoxicating – legally prescribed medications can also have strong psychoactive effects if taken incorrectly or abused. Some of them have a very high potential for dependence and are therefore treated like drugs in addiction prevention.
This overview presents the most important medication groups, their effects, their risks and why they are frequently misused.
1. Opioid painkillers
Examples: oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone
Effect: strong pain relief, euphoria
Dependency potential: very high
Opioids act directly on the brain’s reward system and can trigger addiction even after short-term misuse. Overdoses can rapidly lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
▶ Recommended link: Opioids & opiates – effects, risks and dependence
2. Benzodiazepines
Examples: diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam
Effect: anxiolytic, calming, sleep-promoting
Dependency potential: high
Benzodiazepines quickly lead to tolerance. Withdrawal can be dangerous and may cause seizures, anxiety and insomnia.
▶ Recommended link: Benzodiazepines – effects and dangers
3. Stimulants / ADHD medications
Examples: methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine, Adderall
Effect: increased alertness, energy and focus
Dependency potential: high
Often misused by students as so-called “study drugs”. Risks include cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety and psychological dependence.
4. THC-containing medications
Example: Marinol (dronabinol)
Effect: appetite-stimulating, calming, psychoactive
Dependency potential: moderate
Medically well documented, but potentially addictive if used improperly.
5. Z-drugs (modern sleeping pills)
Examples: zolpidem, zopiclone
Effect: sleep-inducing
Dependency potential: high
Especially risky when combined with alcohol or other sedatives.
6. Barbiturates
Example: phenobarbital
Effect: strongly sedative
Dependency potential: high
Hardly prescribed today due to the high risk of overdose.
7. Antihistamines (H1 blockers)
Examples: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), doxylamine
Effect: sedative
Dependency potential: low–moderate
At high doses, they may be abused for intoxication.
8. Combined use with alcohol – particularly dangerous
Combining medication with alcohol can cause:
- respiratory depression
- loss of consciousness
- liver damage
- strongly enhanced intoxicating effects
- fatal overdoses
Particularly risky combinations:
⚠️ alcohol + benzodiazepines
⚠️ alcohol + Z-drugs
⚠️ alcohol + opioids
Related links
Addiction Switzerland – facts and figures on medications and drugs
