Abusing Over the Counter Drugs is Common and Dangerous

Over the counter (OTC) drugs are medications available without a prescription at drugstores, supermarkets, and online.

OTC drugs are typically safe if used at recommended doses. Like illegal and prescription drugs, they can also be abused. Although less potent than other substances, OTC drugs still pose a risk for developing an addiction.

Abusing OTC drugs can lead to health problems including memory loss, kidney failure, heart problems and death.

Some commonly abused OTC medications include:

• Cough medicines (Dextromethorphan, or DXM)
• Cold medicines (Pseudoephedrine)
• Motion sickness pills (Dimenhydrinate)

OTC Drug Abuse

OTC drugs have various medical uses and effects, treating mild pain to motion sickness. Some abuse OTC drugs to self-medicate for mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Abusing these medications can also give users a euphoric “high” or hallucinations. Any use outside of what’s recommended is considered abuse.

Someone abusing OTC drugs might move on to more dangerous or illicit drugs in search of a better high.

Cough Medicines (Dextromethorphan, or DXM)

Cough medicines can cause hallucinations and a potent high when abused. Cough medicines are popular among young people, as they’re often readily accessible in medicine cabinets at home or at a friend’s house. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists different dose-dependent plateaus, as experienced by people who abuse DXM. The maximum recommended daily dose of DXM is 120 mg; beyond that, intoxication and dangerous side effects begin to appear.

• A dose of 100-200 mg induces mild stimulation and euphoria.
• A dose of 200-400 mg leads to stronger euphoria and hallucinations.
• A dose of 300-600 mg causes loss of motor coordination and visual distortions.
• A dose of 500-1500 mg leads to out-of-body sensations.

Cold Medicines (Pseudoephedrine)

Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and the active ingredient in many cold medicines. It is used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion from colds or allergies and may also relieve congestion. In rare cases, may abuse pseudoephedrine for hallucinations or an intense “body high.”

Pseudoephedrine is also used to create illicit drugs like methamphetamine. Abusing pseudoephedrine can cause irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, dizziness and seizures.

Motion Sickness Pills (Dimenhydrinate)

Dimenhydrinate is used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. In high doses, the drug can cause hallucinations, ringing in the ears, nausea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma and even death. The drug is often abused for its psychedelic properties. The drug is considered a deliriant when taken in high doses (between 200-1200 mg depending on body weight).

Source: https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/over-the-counter-drugs/