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Prescription Drugs

What are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are substances formally authorized to be used for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of a disease, condition or injury. Prescription drugs differ from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs which are bought off of store shelves, intended for general use, and are not prescribed by a doctor.

Prescription drugs require written authorization from a healthcare professional and are intended to be used by only one person. Dosage and frequency are determined by the physician as part of the prescription.

Why are Prescription Drugs important?

Prescription drugs are used to alleviate pain, help people live more comfortable lives, manage emergent medical issues and chronic conditions and more.

Prescription Drug Classes

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has prescription drug laws that classify drugs into five groups. A drug’s classification depends on its medical use and its potential for misuse or dependence. Most prescription drugs fall between Schedule II and IV.

The prescription drug schedule includes:

Schedule II

These are defined as drugs with a high potential for misuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples of Schedule II prescription drugs include Vicodin, methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall and Ritalin.

Schedule III

These are defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. An example of a Schedule III prescription drug is Tylenol with codeine.

Schedule IV

These are defined as drugs with a low potential for misuse and low risk of dependence. Examples of Schedule IV prescription drugs include Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Tramadol.

Prescription Medication Labels: How to Read

The label on your prescription medication tells you how to correctly take the medicine your healthcare provider has recommended for your treatment plan. It’s very important to understand the information on this label. By taking your medication correctly, you will have the best treatment results.

Why is it important to know how to read a prescription medication label?

Taking medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider helps speed recovery from illnesses and/or manage your diseases. Understanding the parts of a medication label can be difficult. This picture decodes the parts of the prescription label. Learning how to read the label correctly may help reduce the chance of unnecessary visits to the provider's office, emergency room or readmission to the hospital.

prescription medication label

Prescription Drugs Abuse and Misuse

Prescription medications are the third most abused category of drugs in the US behind tobacco and alcohol and ahead of illicit substances like meth or heroin. In 2017, an estimated 18 million people had misused such prescription medications in the past year.

Prescription Abuse Statistics

45.8% of American adults used a prescription drug – legally or not – within the past 30 days. Healthcare specialists generally agree that a high rate of use and availability drives reported rates of prescription drug abuse, addiction, and ultimately, overdose.

16.3 million people misuse prescriptions in a year.

22.6% of them or 3.7 million people misuse prescriptions for the first time.

43.3% of first time abusers use painkillers while 32.1% use sedatives or tranquilizers.

52 million or 18.4% of Americans over the age of 12 have deliberately misused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime.

Prescription drug abusers constitute 5.76% of Americans over the age of 12.

Prescription abuse has declined 13.8% from 2015, when 18.9 million people misused prescriptions.

Fewer than 1-in-10 prescription abusers misuses drugs with the goal to get high.

2.0 million people or 11.9% of people who misuse prescriptions are definitively addicted to the prescription drugs they misuse.

Among addicts, 253,100 or 12.7% acknowledge their addiction.

Prescription drugs are the third-most abused illegal substance after marijuana (with 19.4% of the population using) and cocaine (with 15.9% usership).

Prescriptions are the fifth-most abused substance after alcohol (65.5% usage) and tobacco products (26.7% usage).

There are multiple ways someone can be considered to be abusing prescription medication; including using it without a prescription, using more than intended, taking for longer than intended, using in dangerous ways (e.g. crushing pills and snorting them), or buying prescription drugs illegally from the street. Abusing any form of prescription medication can be harmful to health and has the potential to form an addiction.

The most commonly abused types of prescription medications are:

Opioid painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 2 million Americans misused prescription pain relievers for the first time within the past year, which averages to approximately 5,480 initiates per day.

Tranquilizers and sedatives such as benzodiazepines like Halcion and Xanax or sleeping aids like Ambien. The same report as above found that 1.5 million misused tranquilizers, and 271,000 misused sedatives for the first time in 2017.

Stimulants such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Concerta, commonly prescribed to those with ADD, ADHD, or sleep disorders like narcolepsy

Recognizing prescription drug abuse

If you feel you or someone you know may be abusing prescription medication then there are some warning signs that can help confirm or deny your suspicions, including:

Secretive behavior

Running out of prescriptions early

“Doctor shopping” to find new prescribers

Lying or exaggerating conditions

Unexplained changes in mood or behavior

Stealing or asking to borrow money

Changes in sleep, appetite, hygiene, or weight

Asking to take another person’s prescription

Prescription drug abuse by demographic

Addiction, abuse, and dependence affect communities and demographics in a myriad of different ways and the same is true with prescription medication abuse.

Prescription drug abuse in seniors

Older people are particularly susceptible to prescription drug abuse, with most starting abuse by accident. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 50% of people between the ages of 57 to 85 take more than 5 medications or supplements daily, meaning they are more likely to make a mistake with one set of medication and may end up abusing it. As the body gets older its ability to absorb and metabolize medication weakens As the drug stays in their system longer, seniors may become unknowingly addicted to a prescribed drug even if taking it in regular amounts.

Prescription drug abuse in teens and young adults

Misuse of prescription drugs is higher amongst young adults than any other age demographic; with 14.4% aged between 18 and 25 reporting abuse in the past year. In teens aged between 12 and 17, 4.9% reported misuse or nonmedical use.

Prescription drug abuse is the fourth highest type of substance abuse after tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana in 12th graders. A 2017 survey by NIDA indicated that 6% of high school seniors abused prescription stimulants such as Adderall and around 2% had abused prescription opioid painkillers like Vicodin.

Prescription drug abuse in pregnant women

As babies in the womb absorb parts of what their mothers ingest, misusing prescription drugs can lead to the fetus developing a dependence. This can result in the child experiencing withdrawal symptoms after birth, a condition known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

This often results in the child having to stay for a prolonged period of time in a neonatal intensive care ward and may require medication treatment if experiencing NAS from opioid painkillers. Pregnant mothers are advised to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before continuing a course of prescription medication. There are other medical risks associated with substance abuse and pregnancy, most notably Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

Therapeutic Drug Use

Prescription drug use

Percent of people using at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days: 49.9% (2017-March 2020)

Percent of people using three or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days: 24.7% (2017-March 2020)

Percent of persons using five or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days: 13.5% (2017-March 2020)

Physician office visits

Number of drugs provided or prescribed: 1.0 billion

Percent of visits involving drug therapy: 71.9%

Most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes:

Analgesics

Antihyperlipidemic agents

Vitamins

Hospital emergency department visits

Number of drugs given or prescribed: 407.5 million

Percent of visits involving drug therapy: 77.4%

Most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes

Analgesics

Minerals and electrolytes

Antiemetic or antivertigo agents

The Top 50 Drugs Prescribed in the United States

Every year, U.S. pharmacies fill billions of outpatient prescriptions. Many of the same drugs have remained in the top 10 spots for several years. These drugs treat some of the most common diseases in the United States, including heart disease and diabetes.

Other most commonly prescribed drugs treat:

asthma

bacteria infections

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

high cholesterol

high blood pressure

pain

thyroid disease

Here is a list of the top 50 prescription drugs in the United States. This list also includes drugs doctors prescribe that may be available over the counter (OTC).

Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin treats high cholesterol. It is a member of the statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor class. The class has been around for decades. Since 2011, Atorvastatin has been prescribed more than other drugs in its class. The brand name is Lipitor. Total prescriptions: 114,509,814 representing 26,640,141 patients.

Levothyroxine: Levothyroxine treats hypothyroidism. It is a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone T4. Brand names include Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, and Unithroid. Over the past 10 years, levothyroxine has always landed in the top three prescription drugs. Total prescriptions: 98,970,640 representing 20,225,373 patients

Metformin: There are more than 37 million people in the United States with diabetes. So, it is no surprise that metformin — a drug that treats type 2 diabetes — has consistently remained in the top 10 drugs. Brand names include Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, and Riomet. Total prescriptions: 92,591,486 representing 20,122,987 patients.

Lisinopril: Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Doctors use it to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and following a heart attack. Brand names include Prinivil and Zestril. It has bumped back and forth between the top four spots over the past 10 years. Total prescriptions: 88,597,017 representing 19,816,361 patients.

Amlodipine: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It treats high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and angina (chest pain). Since it became a generic drug in the 2000s, it has gained popularity and risen into the top 10 drugs. Norvasc is the original brand name. Total prescriptions: 69,786,684 representing 16,799,810 patients.

Metoprolol: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. Doctors use it to treat high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, and following a heart attack. Metoprolol usage has remained fairly steady over the past decade. Brand names include Lopressor and Toprol XL. Total prescriptions: 66,413,692 representing 15,007,908 patients.

Albuterol: Albuterol is an older drug, with commercialization dating to the 1960s. It was also a breakthrough in treating asthma. Today, doctors use it to treat bronchospasm from a variety of lung problems. Its consistent top ranking is a testament to its effectiveness. Brand names include Accuneb, Proair, Proventil, and Ventolin. Total prescriptions: 61,948,347 representing 17,902,020 patients.

Omeprazole: Omeprazole treats heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers. It was the first member of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class to gain Food and Drug Administration approval. Its use has increased since it became available OTC. This also decreased the out-of-pocket cost for the drug. The brand name is Prilosec. Total prescriptions: 56,300,064 representing 13,879,629 patients.

Losartan: Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Doctors use it to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease in people with diabetes. Losartan broke into the top 50 drugs in 2011 and has been rising since. The brand name is Cozaar. Total prescriptions: 54,815,411 representing 12,690,563 patients.

Gabapentin: Gabapentin falls in the anticonvulsant class of drugs. Along with other medications, it can help control partial seizures in people with epilepsy. It has other neurological uses, including treating nerve pain and restless legs syndrome. Brand names include Horizant and Neurontin. Total prescriptions: 49,961,066 representing 10,571,700 patients.

The remaining 40 top-selling prescription drugs include:

Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Hydrodiuril, Microzide, Oretic), a diuretic to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Total prescriptions: 41,476,098 representing 10,031,904 patients

Sertraline (Zoloft), an antidepressant. Total prescriptions: 38,219,814 representing 7,768,366 patients

Simvastatin (Zocor), a statin drug to treat high cholesterol. Total prescriptions: 36,600,871 representing 8,557,525 patients

Montelukast (Singulair), treats asthma and allergies. Total prescriptions: 31,984,479 representing 7,227,021 patients

Escitalopram (Lexapro), an antidepressant. Total prescriptions: 30,605,646 representing 6,342,599 patients

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Lortab, Norco, Vicodin, various others), a narcotic analgesic. Total prescriptions: 30,100,356representing 8,587,152 patients

Rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor), a statin drug to treat high cholesterol. Total prescriptions: 29,750,488 representing 7,393,686 patients

Bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin, Zyban, various others), treats depression and can help with quitting smoking. Total prescriptions: 28,889,368 representing 5,801,282 patients

Furosemide (Lasix), a diuretic to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Total prescriptions: 26,786,296 representing 6,405,654 patients

Pantoprazole (Protonix), a PPI for heartburn, GERD, and ulcers. Total prescriptions: 26,604,040 representing 6,814,036 patients

Trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro), an antidepressant. Total prescriptions: 26,210,731 representing 5,294,364 patients

Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), a stimulant for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Total prescriptions: 26,080,151 representing 3,633,541 patients

Fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent, Cutivate, various others), a corticosteroid. Total prescriptions: 24,777,490 representing 7,805,740 patients

Tamsulosin (Flomax), treats an enlarged prostate. Total prescriptions: 24,692,402 representing 5,856,108 patients

Fluoxetine (Prozac, others), an antidepressant. Total prescriptions: 23,403,050 representing 4,717,183 patients

Carvedilol (Coreg), a beta-blocker. Total prescriptions: 23,159,628 representing 4,948,170 patients

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), an antidepressant. Total prescriptions: 22,546,920 representing 4,461,604 patients

Meloxicam (Mobic), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. Total prescriptions: 19,808,581 representing 6,057,630 patients

Clopidogrel (Plavix), prevents blood clots. Total prescriptions: 19,377,527 representing 4,340,688 patients

Prednisone (Deltasone, various others), a corticosteroid. Total prescriptions: 19,044,926 representing 9,203,354 patients

Citalopram (Celexa), an antidepressant. Total prescriptions: 18,549,176 representing 3,683,842 patients

Insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo), treats diabetes. Total prescriptions: 17,973,209 representing 3,662,505 patients

Potassium chloride (K-Dur, Klor-Con, Klotrix, Micro-K, Slow-K, various others), a potassium replacement. Total prescriptions: 17,811,732 representing 4,637,643 patients

Pravastatin (Pravachol), a statin drug to treat high cholesterol. Total prescriptions: 17,549,151 representing 4,132,511 patients

Tramadol (Ultram, various others), a narcotic analgesic. Total prescriptions: 17,475,419 representing 4,878,951 patients

Aspirin (various), a pain reliever and anticoagulant. Total prescriptions: 17,287,372 representing 4,741,732 patients

Alprazolam (Xanax), a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. Total prescriptions: 16,780,805 representing 3,632,458 patients

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, various others), an NSAID. Total prescriptions: 16,533,209 representing 8,896,328 patients

Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Flexeril), a muscle relaxant. Total prescriptions: 16,151,696 representing 5,129,829 patients

Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox, various others), an antibiotic. Total prescriptions: 15,922,907 representing 12,780,652 patients

Methylphenidate (Concerta, Metadate, Ritalin, various others), a stimulant for ADHD. Total prescriptions: 15,449,350representing 2,441,634 patients

Allopurinol (Zyloprim), to treat gout and other conditions with high uric acid. Total prescriptions: 15,303,283 representing 3,606,249 patients

Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR), an antidepressant. Total prescriptions: 15,022,423 representing 2,863,619 patients

Clonazepam (Klonopin), a benzodiazepine. Total prescriptions: 14,758,212 representing 2,498,126 patients

Ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (various), an oral contraceptive. Total prescriptions: 14,716,809 representing 2,955,082 patients

Ergocalciferol (Drisdol), a vitamin D analog. Total prescriptions: 14,670,983 representing 4,448,964 patients

Zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist), a sedative-hypnotic for insomnia. Total prescriptions: 14,272,253 representing 2,592,750 patients

Apixaban (Eliquis), treats and prevents blood clots. Total prescriptions: 13,918,650 representing 3,305,979 patients

Glipizide (Glucotrol), treats diabetes. Total prescriptions: 13,674,142 representing 3,383,057 patients

Lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide (Prinzide, Zestoretic), a combination ACE inhibitor and diuretic. Total prescriptions: 13,559,563 representing 2,899,536 patients

Where do these drug rankings come from?

These rankings for the most common prescription drugs come from the ClinCalc DrugStats database. This database estimates prescription drug usage from the annual Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

MEPS is a project of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). It measures how people in the United States use medical care, including prescription drugs.

AHRQ surveys patients and prescribers to compile this information. Because it is a survey, it includes drugs doctors prescribe that may be available OTC, such as aspirin.

There is an inherent delay between collecting the data and issuing the DrugStats list. So, the top-selling prescription drugs for the year contain prescriptions from two years prior.

Drug Disposal: Drug Take-Back Options

The best way to safely dispose of most types* of unused or expired medicine

Medicine take-back options are the best ways to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and nonprescription (for example, over-the-counter) medicines.

Before disposing of prescription medicines, be sure to scratch out all personal information on pill bottle labels and medicine packaging. All of your medicines dropped off at the take-back locations will be destroyed.

There are generally several kinds of take-back options:

1. Periodic drug take-back events

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) periodically hosts National Prescription Drug Take-back events. During these Drug Take-Back Days, temporary drug take-back locations are set up in communities nationwide for safe disposal of prescription drugs.

Local law enforcement agencies may also sponsor medicine take-back events in your community. You can also contact your local waste management authorities to learn about events in your area.

2. Drug Take-Back Locations

Some facilities and businesses are registered with the DEA to collect your unused or expired medicines. These drug take-back locations safely and securely gather and dispose of your unused or expired medicines, including those that contain controlled substances. In your community, authorized drug take-back locations may be retail, hospital, or clinic pharmacies, and law enforcement facilities. These drug take-back locations may offer on-site medicine kiosks or drop-off boxes; mail back programs; or other in-home disposal methods to assist you in safely disposing of your unused or expired medicines.

Find an authorized drug take-back location near you:

Google Maps link (mobile-friendly) or go to Google Maps and type in "drug disposal near me" or "medication disposal near me" to find your nearest drug disposal location.

Year-Round Drop-Off Locations search

Call the DEA Diversion Control Division Registration Call Center at 1-800-882-9539 for more information about these drug take-back locations.

3. Prepaid Drug Mail-Back Envelopes

Drug mail-back envelopes are available to purchase from multiple places including some retail pharmacies or online websites. You can also check with your pharmacist to see if they offer drug mail-back envelopes. Some pharmacies may offer them at no cost as a convenient way to safely dispose of your unused or expired medicines.

How to Use Pre-Paid Drug Mail-Back Envelopes

Fill the envelope with your unused or expired medicines.

Seal the envelope.

Mail the envelope using the U.S. Postal Service.

Some products with uncommon dosage forms (e.g., sprays, lozenges) have product-specific disposal instructions. Review the instructions that came with your prescription or contact your health care professional (e.g., pharmacist, doctor) to find out how to properly dispose of these medicines.

Summary

Looking at the top prescription drugs each year can help identify trends. It is also a source for pharmacists and healthcare professionals as they deliver excellent patient care. Many of the same drugs have remained in the top 10 for several years. These treat some of the most common diseases in the United States, including diabetes and heart disease.

When used as prescribed by a doctor, prescription medicines can be helpful in treating many illnesses. Stimulants are helpful in managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants treat anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders. Opioids are prescribed to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. But when these medicines are misused, they can have serious consequences.

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Most recent revision July 12, 2025 08:38:11 AM

**DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.