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Teens
are also abusing some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as cough and cold
remedies, to get high. Many of these products are widely available and can
be purchased at supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores. Many OTC
drugs that are intended to treat headaches, sinus pressure, or cold/flu
symptoms contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM) and are the
ones that teens are using to get high. When taken in high doses, DXM can
produce a "high" feeling and can be extremely dangerous in
excessive amounts.
DXM is found in
more than 120 non-prescription cough and cold remedies. Medications in
brands such as Robitussin, Vicks, and Coricidin HBP, are among those that
can be abused.1
Over-the-counter
drug abuse also occurs with laxatives, diuretics, emetics, and diet pills,
as teens try to achieve an idealized weight.2
Young people may start taking just a few diet pills but then graduate to
full addiction and dependence. Ephedrine, caffeine, and
phenylpropranolamine are just some of the dangerous and addictive
substances found in diet pills. Herbal, sometimes referred to as
"natural", weight loss products can be just as dangerous as diet
pills. All of these substances act as stimulants to the central nervous
system and much like speed, can have serious and potentially fatal side
effects.3
Is
your teen using OTC drugs to get high?
A
recent study found that six percent of 12th graders reported past year
abuse of cough or cold medicines to get high.4
That amounts to about one in every 16 high school seniors.
Signs
and symptoms of abuse may include:
Short-term effects
Impaired judgment, nausea, loss of coordination, headache, vomiting, loss
of consciousness, numbness of fingers and toes, abdominal pain, irregular
heartbeat, aches, seizures, panic attacks, psychosis, euphoria, cold
flashes, dizziness, and diarrhea.5
Long-term effects
Addiction, restlessness, insomnia, high-blood pressure, coma, or even
death.6
Where
do teens get them?
In
many parts of the country, teens can easily buy OTC cough and cold remedies
at any supermarket, drugstore, or convenience store where these products
are sold. They can also get them from home, or order them over the
Internet. And even if they do not order OTC drugs online, they can surf the
Web to find information and videos on what drugs to try and mix together.
Find
out more information about where
teens get OTC drugs.
How
do teens abuse OTC drugs?
Teens
take large doses to get high, sometimes mixing these drugs with
prescription drugs, street drugs, or alcohol. Some teens crush pills and
snort them for an intensified effect.
Could
your teen overdose on OTC drugs?
Yes.
The point at which teens may overdose on OTC drugs varies depending on the
amount of the drugs they took, over what time period, and if other drugs
were mixed. Some OTC drugs are weak and cause minor distress, while others
are very strong and can cause more serious problems or even death. If you
suspect your
teen has overdosed on OTC drugs, take them to the emergency room or
call an ambulance immediately for proper care and treatment by a medical
doctor.
Other
drug and alcohol interactions
Mixing
alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches,
drowsiness, fainting, and loss of coordination. It can put users at risk
for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing.
Alcohol also can decrease the effectiveness of many needed medications or
make them totally ineffective.
Some
of these medications can be purchased over the counter - at a drugstore or
grocery store - without a prescription, including herbal remedies and
others you may never have suspected of reacting negatively with alcohol.
Before
you or your teen take any prescription or OTC medication, carefully read
the label, and/or consult with your family physician or local pharmacist.
And never mix medications with alcohol. Parents should set clear rules and
consistently enforce those rules against any underage drinking.
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