Over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse

What is over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse?
OTC drug abuse is the use of a medication that's available without a prescription to get high, or for some other reason the drug isn't intended for. Because anyone can buy OTC medicines, many people think the drugs can't hurt them. But in reality, these medicines are safe only when they're used according to the directions on the package.

One of the most commonly abused OTC drugs is dextromethorphan (DXM), which is found in many cough and cold medicines. People take more than the recommended dose to get a "high," or sense of euphoria. Other commonly misused or abused OTC drugs include:

• Sleep aids
• Pain relievers
• Diet pills
• Decongestants

Signs & symptoms
Large quantities of DXM can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations and sometimes death. Watch for these symptoms of DXM abuse:

• Confusion, impaired judgment
• Acting paranoid
• Sweating excessively
• Slurred speech
• Lethargy
• A red face; dry, itchy skin

Behavioral signs that may signal OTC drug abuse:

• Taking large amounts of cough syrup or cold medicines even when not ill
• OTC medicines missing from your medicine cabinet
• OTC drugs hidden in a bedroom or backpack
• Falling grades
• Mood swings
• Changes in personal appearance

Who's at risk?
People of all educational backgrounds, income levels and cultural heritages abuse drugs. Older children and teens are especially vulnerable to OTC drug abuse, because the drugs are easy to get and young people don't think OTCs can hurt them. In fact, OTC abuse is common among teens, with one in 11 kids saying they've misused medications like cough syrup.

OTC drug misuse and abuse also is common among the elderly. Seniors often have a number of health conditions and may take numerous medications, both prescription and OTC drugs like sleep aids. They may not be aware of possible interactions among these medications, which puts them at risk. Some other risk factors:

• Family history of alcohol or drug problems
• Social environment that's favorable to drug use
• Lack of supervision (teens)
• Depression, anxiety or other mental health condition
  

Professional help
Drug abuse and drug addiction - the compulsive, uncontrollable use of a drug - are chronic conditions that can be successfully treated with behavior modification therapy, attending recovery support groups and in some cases, medication. Priority Health members can check here for information on getting help with drug abuse and addiction problems.

What you can do
Everyone needs to know about the dangers of misusing OTC drugs. Parents especially should talk to their children about the risks and let them know that the medications in the medicine cabinet are not "safe" just because they're legal and easy to buy. Other measures to take:

• Keep track of the OTC drugs in your home. Know what you have and how much is in each package.
• Teach kids how to read and follow label directions on any OTCs they do need to take.
• Don't buy a surplus of OTC drugs.
• Don't let kids keep cough or cold medicines in their rooms or take them to school.
• Watch your kids' Internet use, and look for visits to sites that promote OTC or other drug use.
• Be a responsible consumer of OTC drugs yourself.
• Learn as much as you can about drug abuse. Read more about drug abuse.

Seniors who take a number of medications need know and follow proper dosage directions and be aware of possible interactions among all the medicines they take.

• Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including OTC drugs.
• For prescription drugs, be sure to read all instructions from the pharmacy carefully. Pay attention to any other medications you should avoid. If there's anything you don't understand, ask your pharmacist about it.