Some people have a false sense of security when using over-the-counter medications or supplements. They mistakenly believe these products are safer than illegal drugs or even prescription medications. While many over-the-counter medications are safe to use when taken according to the package instructions, they have the potential to be dangerous when taken in excess or used in a way for which they were not intended.
Types
Any over-the-counter medication can be abused, but some are abused more frequently than others. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are often abused by people looking to get high. These products often contain the ingredient dextromethorphan, which can produce a feeling of euphoria or hallucinations when taken in excessive amounts. Other people may abuse laxatives, emetics, diuretics or diet pills to lose weight. Many people also take over-the-counter pain relievers too frequently or in larger quantities than recommended, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Short-Term Effects
Short-term effects of over-the-counter drug abuse may include diarrhea, dizziness, cold flashes, euphoria, psychosis, panic attacks, seizures, body aches, irregular heartbeat, abdominal pain, numbness of the fingers or toes, loss of consciousness, vomiting, loss of coordination, nausea, and impaired judgment, according to the website TheAntiDrug.com.
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of over-the-counter drug abuse are dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Addiction, restlessness, insomnia, high blood pressure, coma and even death are some of the long-term effects that may occur when someone abuses over-the-counter drugs for long periods of time, explains TheAntiDrug.com.
Prevention Tips for Parents
Teenagers and young people are particularly susceptible to over-the-counter drug abuse. In fact, approximately 3.1 million people between the ages of 12 and 25 years old have misused over-the-counter cough and cold medications at least once in their lifetime, according to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Parents should not only talk to their children about the dangers of using illegal drugs, but should also discuss the dangers of abusing over-the-counter medications. Children need to understand that even over-the-counter medications can be dangerous or even fatal when taken in excess.
Parents should always be on the lookout for warning signs of over-the-counter drug abuse. Some warning signs include frequently finding medications used or missing, seeing the teen use cough or cold medication outside of the cold and flu season, and changes in behavior and mood. Parents also should monitor their teens' Internet use, as many websites sell dextromethorphan illegally or condone teens to share their stories of over-the-counter drug abuse, warns the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Treatment
Those who abuse over-the-counter drugs often follow a similar treatment plan of those who abuse illegal or prescription drugs. The exact treatment varies depending upon the situation, but often includes individual, family and group counseling. Depending upon the severity of the abuse, some people may benefit from a residential drug treatment facility. Support groups also often prove beneficial.
Warning
People who have accidentally or intentionally taken too much of an over-the-counter medication may experience dangerous or life-threatening side effects. These people should seek immediate medical attention.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
- Parents: The Anti-Drug: Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
- Above the Influence: Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
- Rhode Island Department of Health: Preventing Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
- The National Survey on Drug Use: Misuse of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medicine Among Persons Ages 12 to 25
