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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
When OTC medicines are used for non-medicinal reasons other than what they are specified for, it can result in dangerous consequences. Common OTC medicines have marijuana-like properties and produce a "high" feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Most people believe that over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are safer than illegal drugs and certain prescription medicines because they are readily available without a doctor’s prescription. The OTC medicines are safe when they are taken as directed. However, abuse and overuse of OTC medicines can result in serious complications, sometimes with fatal consequences. Some OTC medicines are derivatives of prescription medicines and cause serious side effects. Drug abuse of OTC medicines has steadily increased because people use them to get “high” and experience a state of euphoria. Teenagers and adults commonly use OTC medicines for non-medical reasons other than those indicated in the label. The OTC medicines are readily available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores. When used in combination with alcohol and other medicines, commonly used OTC medicines become risky with serious effects on health of the individual.Studies conducted in the United States shows that OTC drug abuse is a concern that is spiraling out of control, especially among teenagers. It is estimated that 1 in 8 teens gets high on OTC cough medicine, making cough medicines one of the most popular OTC medicines abused by teenagers. Most teenagers do not believe that abusing cough medicine to reach a “high” state is risky.According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, nearly 3.1 million people between the ages of 12 and 25 used cough and cold medicines to get “high” in 2006.There has been a decline in overall drug use in recent years, but teenagers assume that abusing OTC drugs is safer than illicit drugs available on the street. Parents may be unaware of the dangers in their own homes when OTC drugs are stored in the medicine cabinet well within reach of the teenager looking for drug abuse. Parents must talk to their children about the dangers of OTC drug abuse, and the dire health consequences that can result from overuse.Some ingredients in
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