Medicines frequently diverted as drugs: risks and prevention
Some medications are regularly diverted from their medical use to be consumed for recreational purposes due to their psychoactive effects. These substances, although available by prescription, present high risks of addiction, serious side effects and overdose when used outside of a medical setting. This article takes stock of the most commonly diverted medications and the dangers associated with their use.
1. Benzodiazepines and related drugs (anxiolytics, sleeping pills)
📌 Medicines concerned:
- Alprazolam (Xanax®)
- Bromazepam (Lexomil®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Clonazepam (Rivotril®)
- Zopiclone (Imovane®)
- Zolpidem (Stilnox®)
💡 Desired effects:
- Feeling of relaxation and well-being
- Sedative and hypnotic effects
- Disinhibition and euphoria
⚠ Dangers:
- Strong psychological and physical dependence
- Risk of respiratory depression in case of overdose
- Memory problems and disorientation
- Effects amplified when mixed with alcohol
2. Opiates and opioids (strong painkillers, substitutes for hard drugs)
📌 Medicines concerned:
- Morphine (Skenan®, Moscontin®)
- Codeine (Codoliprane®, Neocodion®)
- Tramadol (Topalgic®, Contramal®)
- Fentanyl (Durogesic®, Actiq®)
- Buprenorphine (Subutex®)
- Methadone (Methadone AP-HP®)
💡 Desired effects:
- Feeling of euphoria and well-being
- Strong relaxation and pain reduction
- High effects similar to heroin
⚠ Dangers:
- Very high risk of overdose, especially with fentanyl
- Respiratory depression that can lead to death
- High addictive potential
- Very difficult withdrawal syndrome
3. Stimulants and amphetamines (prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy)
📌 Medicines concerned:
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Concerta®)
- Modafinil (Modiodal®)
- Dextroamphetamine (Adderall® - not available in France)
- Pseudoephedrine (Actifed®, Dolirhume® - diverted to manufacture methamphetamine)
💡 Desired effects:
- Increased energy and alertness
- Improved concentration and performance
- Reduction of the feeling of fatigue
⚠ Dangers:
- Cardiovascular disorders (tachycardia, hypertension)
- Anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations
- High risk of addiction
- Severe depression during withdrawal
4. Misused painkillers and antidepressants
📌 Medicines concerned:
- Amitriptyline (Laroxyl® - tricyclic antidepressant)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica® - antiepileptic drug used for anxiety)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin® - antiepileptic drug diverted for its relaxing effects)
💡 Desired effects:
- Feeling of calm and relaxation
- Euphoric effects at high doses
- Deep sedation
⚠ Dangers:
- Cognitive disorders and mental confusion
- Respiratory depression in case of overdose
- Underestimated addictive potential
5. Other substances often diverted
📌 Medicines concerned:
- Promethazine (Phenergan® - used in Purple Drank)
- Doxylamine (Dornomyl® - over-the-counter sleeping pill, used in high doses for its hallucinogenic effects)
- Scopolamine (Hyoscine - “zombie” drug, used in chemical submission)
💡 Desired effects:
- Hypnotic and amnesic effects
- Hallucinations and altered sensations
⚠ Dangers:
- Heavy sedation, loss of consciousness
- Total amnesia (used in cases of chemical submission)
- Long-term neurological risks
Screening for diverted drugs
Screening for these substances is possible thanks to our Drugdiag® saliva and urine tests , capable of detecting several classes of diverted drugs:
- Opiates (MOP, OPI): morphine, codeine, tramadol
- Benzodiazepines (BZO): anxiolytics and sleeping pills
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines (AMP, MET): Ritalin®, ecstasy
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA): Laroxyl®
- Barbiturates (BAR): Phenobarbital (Gardenal®)
📌 Our tests allow reliable and rapid detection for effective screening.
Conclusion
Drug diversion poses a real danger to public health. Despite their legitimate medical use, these substances can lead to severe addictions, neurological disorders and fatal overdoses .
💡 Prevention and awareness are essential to combat these misuses.
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