Regardless of the ever-increasing number of online pharmacies offering prescription medication without a valid Rx, it is never legal to get drugs without prescriptions. There are several reasons it is never okay to buy, order, take, or sell prescription drugs without being prescribed by a doctor or health professional:



* Selling prescription medication without prescription is illegal.

Dispensing prescription drugs without prescription is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

* Self-prescription is a medically unapproved practice.

The American Medical Association strongly discourages the practice of self-prescription among patients. Without a proper prescription, patients risk taking the wrong medicines that can cause their conditions to worsen with severe side effects.

* No-prescription pharmacies sell counterfeit and unapproved drugs.

Online pharmacies that offer medication without prescription often sell drugs that are counterfeit, tampered with, or unapproved by the FDA. This means that these medications are ineffective, unsafe, and unreliable for public use.

* Buying drugs without a prescription causes patients to miss out on proper health care.

Doctors who prescribe medicines to their patients also offer supervision especially for delicate cases. Without prescriptions, patients are left to monitor their own intake of the medications without proper instructions.

Getting or taking prescription drugs without a valid Rx can even result to abuse and addiction. Most people are under the mistaken notion that a drug that is marketed as treatment is safe for consumption. Unfortunately, prescription drugs are only safe for people to whom they were prescribed. Below are some of the prescription medications that are often abused:

Stimulants

Probably the most popular prescription medication to be abused, stimulants are often used to treat a number of common disorders like depression, asthma, obesity, narcolepsy, and ADHD. Stimulants work by increasing brain activity which results to heightened alertness, energy, and attention. Common formulations of stimulants include methylphenidate (Ritalin), atomoxetine (Strattera), and dextroamphetamine (Adderall).

Opioids

Possibly the most common painkillers, opioid receptors work by attaching themselves to the spinal cord and the brain to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Opioids are often prescribed for the treatment of pain and relief of coughs and diarrhea. Commercial versions include meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxycodone (OxyContin).

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

CNS depressants are prescribed for the treatment of common ailments like anxiety, panic attacks, tensions, and most sleeping disorders. An effective antidepressant, CNS depressants work by increasing GABA neurotransmitter activity in the brain which results to drowsiness and calm. Formulations include diazepam (Valium), pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), and alprazolam (Xanax).

Tips on preventing abuse of prescription drugs

1. Take only medications that are prescribed by a doctor for your use. Never take medications that are not prescribed for you by your doctor. The fact that a medication worked well on another does not automatically mean that it will work for you.

2. Stick to instructions religiously. Your doctor can determine the right dosage, length of treatment, and amount of medication you can take. Taking more than what is instructed can lead to abuse so follow your doctor's instruction properly.

3. Keep medications out of reach of children. Prescription medications should be kept locked away when not in use. Children and teens may try taking these medications when they are easily available out of curiosity.