Prescription medications are a cornerstone of modern healthcare, but in the United States, they’re also a major source of harm. In 2022 alone, U.S. healthcare providers issued over 6.1 billion prescriptions, and 61% of American adults reported taking at least one medication daily. Even more concerning, 27% take four or more.
While many of these medications are essential, a significant portion are prescribed unnecessarily. Our analysis shows that overprescription is widespread, and the consequences are both immediate and long-term, fueling addiction, antibiotic resistance, and preventable deaths. This recent study, published by John Foy & Associates, dives a bit deeper.
The Most Overprescribed Medications in the U.S.
Topping the list are antibiotics, with over 236 million prescriptions written in 2022, roughly 7 prescriptions for every 10 people. Alarmingly, studies show that in nearly half of all cases, antibiotics are prescribed when no infection is present. Misuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder or even impossible to treat.
Opioids are next, and the data is stark: in 2022, over 82,000 of the nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involved opioids. Despite the well-documented risks of dependency and death, these powerful painkillers continue to be prescribed at concerning rates.
Other commonly overprescribed drugs include:
- Antidepressants can have serious long-term effects on cognition and behavior when misused or prescribed unnecessarily.
- Proton pump inhibitors, often used for acid reflux, may be continued longer than medically necessary.
- Statins, which can be life-saving but are sometimes prescribed without adequate lifestyle interventions first.
The Hidden Danger: Polypharmacy
One growing concern is polypharmacy, where patients, especially older adults, are prescribed multiple medications at once. This increases the risk of:
- Drug interactions
- Cognitive impairment
- Falls and physical injury
- Hospitalization
As the number of prescriptions increases, so does the complexity of managing them safely. When not properly monitored, the risks quickly multiply.
Why Is Overprescription So Common?
Our research points to three key drivers of the overprescription epidemic in the U.S.:
- Patient demand and expectation – Many patients now expect a prescription as part of their visit, especially for common conditions like colds, pain, or stress.
- Short appointment times – With limited time to diagnose and discuss treatment plans, many healthcare providers opt for the quickest solution: a prescription.
- Pharmaceutical marketing – Aggressive advertising and incentives from drug manufacturers continue to influence both patient demand and physician prescribing habits.
Prescription Misuse by Age Group
Teenagers and young adults are especially vulnerable. Our data shows that 14.4 million Americans aged 12 and older misused prescription medications in 2022, including 8.6 million who misused painkillers.
Perhaps most alarming is where they’re getting these drugs: 53% of teens reported getting the last drug they used from a friend or family member. Medications like codeine, fentanyl, tramadol, and morphine are often sitting in household cabinets, readily available, with little understanding of the risks.
What Can Be Done?
While the overprescription crisis is complex, there are practical steps individuals and healthcare providers can take:
For patients:
- Always finish prescribed treatments as directed.
- Never share or take someone else’s medication.
- Keep an updated list of all medications and share it with healthcare providers.
For medical professionals:
- Clearly explain why a medication is being prescribed and its potential side effects.
- Explore non-medication treatments when appropriate.
- Review patient medications regularly to prevent unnecessary continuation.
A Healthier Future Starts With Awareness
We believe that tackling overprescription starts with better education and open dialogue. When patients and providers work together, we can reduce preventable harm and make smarter, safer decisions about healthcare.
The overprescription crisis doesn’t have a single cause, but it does have clear solutions. With simple changes, we can make significant progress in protecting public health.
