Incidents of poisonings due to the misuse of some prescription drugs, including painkillers, sedatives and tranquilizers, are on the rise in the U.S.

Between 1999 and 2006, hospital admissions due to drug poisonings increased 65 percent, from about 43,000 to 71,000, according to a new report published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

"Deaths and hospitalizations associated with prescription drug misuse have reached epidemic proportions," said the study’s lead author, Dr. Jeffrey Coben. "It is essential that healthcare providers, pharmacists, insurance providers, state and federal agencies, and the general public all work together to address this crisis. Prescription medications are just as powerful and dangerous as other notorious street drugs, and we need to ensure people are aware of these dangers and that treatment services are available for those with substance abuse problems."

Researchers say that while the majority of hospitalized poisonings are classified as unintentional, substantial increases were also demonstrated for intentional overdoses associated with these drugs, likely reflecting their widespread availability in community settings.

Examples of the drugs that are commonly causing poisonings include habit-forming opioids or painkillers such as morphine, methadone, OxyContin and the active ingredient in Percocet. Some examples of sedatives or tranquilizers include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.