10 Most Dangerous Prescription drugs in America ..
Alter Net
from:
The Fix/Kevin Gray
http://www.alternet.org/story/153576/the_10_most_dangerous_meds_driving_america%27s_pill_crisis?akid=8073.37525.zmi2LV&rd=1&t=5
For the first time in nearly a century, automobile accidents are no longer the nation’s leading cause of accidental deaths, according to a major report released Tuesday by the National Center for Health Statistics. The new number one killer is drugs—not smack, crystal meth or any other stepped-on menace sold in urban alleyways or trailer parks, but bright, shiny pills prescribed by doctors, approved by the government, manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and sold to the consumer as “medicine.” Yet of the billions of legit pills Americans pop every year for medical conditions serious and otherwise, the vast majority of lives are claimed by only a select few classes—painkillers, sedatives and stimulants—that all share a common characteristic: they promote abuse, dependence and addiction.
This list of brand name and generic drugs was compiled from the Drug Abuse Warning Network's (DAWN's) database of emergency room visits in 2009, including drug poisonings that lead to both deaths and survivals.
1. Xanax (alprazolam) 112,552 (benzodiazepine class)
2. OxyContin (and other oxycodone drugs) 105,214 (opiate class)
3. Vicodin (and other hydrocodone drugs) 86,258 (opiate class)
4. Methadone 63,031 (opiate class)
5. Klonopin (clonazepam) 57,633 (benzodiazepine class)
6. Ativan (lorazepam) 36,582 (benzodiazepine class)
7. Morphine drugs 31,731 (opiate class)
8. Seroquel (quetiapine) 29,436 (antipsychotic class)
9. Ambien (zolpidem) 29,127 (sedative class)
10. Valium (diazepam) 25,150 (benzodiazepine)
= new reply since forum marked as read
I had multiple fractures and a couple of surgeries too. They gave me percocet and vicodin. I really needed them. They did not make me feel weird at all. I still had some pain, but it was not as aggravating as it would have been without the meds. I took these pills for months, and only had a minor withdrawal when I quit. I would take that over a hangover any day of the week. The doc was a little worried that I was going through too many pills and warned me that they would 'ruin my life'. I asked him if he had ever been 'body-slammed to the pavement' while traveling at about 40mph, and proceeded to say that the only thing that would ruin my life in this regard was our country's insane drug laws. I really think that we have so many over doses because we over regulate access to these drugs. When people who want them get their hands on them, they take too many since it will be hard for them to obtain more. It's like a delicacy to some folks I guess. I live in South Florida and did check out going to one of those 'pain clinics'. When I found out that they would not take insurance and wanted $300 in cash up front I said no thanks. I can't see spending 300 bucks on and 8 dollar bottle of pills. I still have pain sometimes, but I don't need that bs. I'm glad my BP meds aren't on that list. I need those to counteract the whiskey that I drink (in moderation of course). 
(and of course pharmacies) in my area, due to addicts seeking prescription benzies and painkillers. Serious crime such as home invasions and even murder. Addicts specifically target people who they believe (or know) to be taking these drugs for legitimate reasons.
I doubt it's happening in my area alone. 
