10 Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs in the United States

Guess what? Did you know that the American people are prescribed more drugs more than ever before? Yes, it is true! Prescription pain medicines may be dominating our headlines, whether on television or on social media, but what are exactly the ten most prescribed drugs in the United States?

The following are the ten most commonly prescribed drugs that are present in the United States:

-Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl)

-Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

-Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

-Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza)

-Simvastatin (Zocor)

-Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (OxyCotin, Percocet, Vicodin)

-Metoprolol (Lopressor, Metoprolol Tartrate)

-Amlodipine (Norvasc)

-Omeprazole (Prilosec)

-Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Provertil HFA)

Now that we know the name of the ten most commonly prescribed medications in this country, what are the functions of these medications?

-Levothyroxine: This medication treats thyroid disorders as well as giving more thyroid hormone when thyroid levels are very low.

-Lisinopril: Lisinopril is ideal for high blood pressure and ACE inhibitor that makes the blood vessels become wide; this will allow the blood to flow more freely.

-Atorvastatin: This drug is used for treating high cholesterol and it lowers bad cholesterol levels and boosts good cholesterol levels.

-Metformin: Metformin is oral medication for controlling diabetes; it controls blood sugar levels in people that are living with Type 2 diabetes.

-Simvastatin: Like atorvastatin, simvastatin is used to treat high blood cholesterol and it also boost good cholesterol levels and lowers the bad cholesterol.

-Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen: It is used as a pain reliever and it plays a vital role in disrupting the pain signals in the brain.

-Metoprolol: Metoprolol is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and in addition, it reduces heartbeat and force, which allows for the relaxation of blood vessels.

-Amlodipine: This treats high blood pressure and it keeps calcium from entering the blood vessels and heart cells; makes the blood vessels become wide.

-Omeprazole: This medication is for acid reflux treatment. It reduces the acid levels that are present in the stomach.

-Albuterol: Albuterol is a bronchodilator for asthma or COPD. It also relaxes that muscles in airways for the purpose of increasing the airflow in the lungs.

So, why are these ten prescribed drugs so common here in the United States? These are reasons that we hear about in the headlines: poor diet, smoking, excessive drinking, lack of physical activity, and of course, smoking.

The bottom line: we all should try to adopt a healthier lifestyle and maybe there will reduce the chance of us depending on prescription medications for our bodies to stay in shape.

What are your experiences with prescription drugs? Please feel free to make comments or provide feedback in the Comments box.