Over-The-Counter Substances Aimed at Adolescents
It used to be that parents feared their teenagers were experimenting with the marijuana or cocaine. Today, it’s NyQuil and Robitussin. In reality, a growing number of teens are abusing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. In one study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2006, as many as one in every 14 high school seniors said they used cold medicine “fairly recently” to get high.
Types of OTC Substances Being Abused
One of the most popular choices among teens is medication containing an ingredient called Dextromethorphan (DXM), which is found in more than 140 OTC cough and cold medications. DXM can cause psychoactive effects and produce a high when taken in large doses. Aside from those effects, DXM can also cause distorted vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, loss of motor skills, hallucinations, and seizures. There have also been a number of teens who have died from overdosing on DXM and at least one murder linked to the drug.
But OTC drugs containing DXM aren’t the only ones being abused by teens. Laxatives and diet pills are also popular. Unfortunately, the ingredients in these pills can cause side effects from high blood pressure and kidney problems to dehydration and heart failure when taken in large doses. Likewise motion sickness pills, such as Dramamine, can cause hallucinations when taken in excessive amounts. And sleep aids like Tylenol PM, Excedrin PM, and Sominex can disrupt regular sleep patterns when abused. They can also cause extreme drowsiness, which can lead to narcolepsy.
Why Teens Abuse OTC Substances
Part of the attraction of OTC drugs is the relative ease and low cost in acquiring them. In fact, they cost little when compared to illicit street drugs. Moreover, in today’s Internet age, there’s plenty of easily accessible information about how to take these drugs to get the best high. Drugs such as DXM can even be purchased in a powder form online.
Another reason that OTC drugs are so popular among teens is that they are perceived as safe. Many teens think that there’s less risk involved and fewer side effects than if they were to take street drugs. But these so-called “safe” drugs can be just as dangerous and addictive, causing health problems and even fatalities. In addition, teens mix OTC drugs with other drugs and alcohol many times, which increases the dangerous effects.
Warning Signs
If you think your teenager may be abusing OTC drugs, look for warning signs such as:
- Mood swings
- Slurred speech
- Constricted pupils
- Excessive sweating
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Lethargy
- Excessive energy
- Excessive clumsiness or forgetfulness
- Loss of interest in activities
