Quetiapine is an antipsychotic drug to treat severe mental illness, but it makes people feel sleepy, so has also been used as a sleeping pill – by prescription and illicitly.
Ephylone belongs to the growing class of designer stimulants called synthetic cathinones. The effects have been described as a mix between MDMA and cocaine, while others are more similar to ice.
A trial of methylprednisolone in kidney patients was halted recently because of safety concerns. But this doesn’t affect people taking the drug for asthma, arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Shaman have used the psychoactive effects of ayahuasca for spiritual and healing purposes for hundreds of years. But a new breed of tourist has discovered this plant-based drug.
Carfentanil is an ultra-potent synthetic opioid. Its only legitimate use is in veterinary practice for large animals such as elephants, but it sneaks into heroin shipments to increase its potency.
Fingolimod is a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease. It is an immunomodulator, which means it works by suppressing the immune system.
What makes aspirin different to other NSAIDs, used to relieve pain, is its ability to thin the blood. It is used to prevent blood clotting in those at risk of heart disease and stroke.
Metformin has been used to treat diabetes since the late 1950s. It is now on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines needed for a basic health care system.
During the 1950s and 1960s, LSD was used more for psychotherapy than recreation. Between 1950 and 1965, many were treated with LSD for alcoholism, depression, schizophrenia, autism and homosexuality.