When you get prescribed a medication, do you ever wonder what exactly it is and how it works? Understanding drug classifications can help shed light on this. Drugs are classified into different categories based on their chemical structure, mechanism of action, and therapeutic effects. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of drug classifications to help you better understand the medications you may be taking. Please visit EMRGENT Addiction & Recovery for more info.

Analgesics:

Analgesics are drugs that relieve pain. They are further classified into two main categories – non-opioid analgesics (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen) and opioid analgesics (such as morphine and oxycodone). Non-opioid analgesics work by blocking pain signals in the brain, while opioid analgesics bind to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception.

Antidepressants:

Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders. They work by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. There are several classes of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Antibiotics:

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They are classified based on their chemical structure or mechanism of action. Common classes of antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones.

Antihypertensives:

Antihypertensives are medications used to lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure). They work by relaxing blood vessels or reducing blood volume. Classes of antihypertensive drugs include diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.

Antihistamines:

Antihistamines are drugs that block the effects of histamine in the body, which helps relieve symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They can be classified into first-generation antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) and second-generation antihistamines (such as loratadine). First-generation antihistamines may cause drowsiness while second-generation antihistamines are less sedating.

Drugs by Legal Classifications

There are different categories of drugs based on their potential for abuse and other factors such as scientific research on the drug’s pharmaceutical effects, chemical understanding of the drug, history, magnitude and patterns of abuse, risks to public health, and risks of psychological and physical dependence. This rating is used by the Drug Enforcement Administration, US law enforcement, and medical committee.

Schedule I

Defined as substances with no medical use and have a high tendency for abuse. These drugs are the most dangerous; the severity of their effects include long-term psychological, physical dependence, and fatality. Examples of these are marijuana, heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.

Schedule II

Equally dangerous but less abuse potential than Schedule I. Users of these substances are psychologically and physically dependent on these substances. Severe brain damage and personality disorders can happen due to regular and/or addictive use. Examples are cocaine, methamphetamine (crystal meth), fentanyl, meperidine (Demerol), and Ritalin among others.

Schedule III

Classified as low to moderate in having physical effects and psychological dependence. Examples are ketamine, anabolic steroids, less than 90 mg of per dosage, and

testosterone.

Schedule IV

Categorized as low potential for substance abuse and physical and psychological dependence. Examples are Darvon, Valium, Xanax, and Ambien.

Schedule V

These drugs have the lowest potential of abuse and have minimal to no physical effects but it does not indicate that there will be no psychological dependence. Ingredients in these drugs are often used in stronger narcotics and can be used as antidiarrheal, antitussive, anesthetic, and analgesic medicine. Examples are some cough medications (specifically Robitussin AC), Lyrica, and Lomotil.

Drugs by Chemical Makeup

Substances in this category have a common mechanism of action that engages with a biological target. The technological target is usually an organ, the nerves or chemicals within the body. Most of these drugs affect the emotional and mental stability of those who use them.

Understanding drug classifications can provide valuable insight into how medications work in the body and why they are prescribed for specific conditions. By knowing the different classes of drugs and their mechanisms of action, you can have a better understanding of your treatment plan and communicate more effectively with your healthcare provider about your medications. Remember to always follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking prescription medications and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment regimen.