Suboxone is a semisynthetic drug manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser pharmaceuticals for the treatment of opioid dependence. It was introduced to the market in October 2002 and gained popularity as a result of its efficacy and reduced potential for abuse compared to other opioid replacement agents such as methadone. The drug is comprised of the ingredients …
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) is a psychostimulant medication manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Many consider Vyvanse to be a “new and improved” successor of the drug Adderall. Vyvanse contains the ingredient Lisdexamfetamine which is pharmacologically inactive until metabolized; hence being classified as a “prodrug.” The fact that Vyvanse is a prodrug …
Methadone is a popular synthetic opioid utilized for the treatment of opioid dependence as a “replacement therapy.” Individuals addicted to highly potent opioidergic agents (e.g. heroin) are often prescribed methadone as a transitory “replacement” drug. Administration of methadone as a replacement over heroin is preferred because it is medically viewed as being slightly less addictive. …
Codeine (3-methylmorphine) is an opioid medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe coughing (antitussive), mild to moderate pain (analgesic), and/or uncontrollable diarrhea (antidiarrheal). It is considered a natural form of methylated morphine and is the second-most significant alkaloid in opium, accounting for up to 3%. In the United States, codeine is typically manufactured in …
Percocet is a brand name medication comprised of active ingredients oxycodone (a semi-synthetic opioid) and acetaminophen (paracetamol). It was first introduced to Germany in 1917 as an intravenous formulation for pain management among soldiers in World War I. Eventually it received approval in the United States (1976) as an oral (tablet) formulation as a narcotic …
Hydrocodone is a popular pharmaceutical drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe pain, and in some cases as an antitussive agent to mitigate chronic coughing. It is a semi-synthetic drug in that it is synthesized from codeine (an opioid alkaloid derived from opium poppy). Upon ingestion of hydrocodone, it facilitates analgesic effects via binding …
Xanax (Alprazolam) is regarded as the single most popular benzodiazepine in the world. It is a highly effective drug when utilized for the medical treatment of acute anxiety, panic attacks, and social phobia. This is due to the fact that Xanax modulates the neurotransmission of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid), specifically at the GABA-A receptor sites. To …