Fact or Fiction: Can Over The Counter Drugs Be Bad For You

We live in a world where many of our discomforts, obstacles and daily hassles are easily removed at the press of a button or by a mere pill. Is it possible that these conveniences could be harming us, physically or mentally?

Over the counter (OTC) drugs including cough syrups and diet pills each contain ingredients that, at high levels, can be toxic and even fatal. Yet, their value is considered by many to be far in excess of their dangers.

What are the facts behind this debate? Read on to explore further and decide for yourself whether it’s fact or fiction that over the counter drugs are bad for you.

The Evolution Of The American Substance Abuse Problem

With each passing decade, we have seen tremendous changes in drug and alcohol abuse trends. New substances emerge on the scene, putting others on the “backburner” of popularity. Today, it seems, nearly every month we see consumer alerts and frantic media reports about the most non-traditional substances being called “addictive” and “dangerous.”

Chemical dependency cases used to largely surround well-known drugs like heroin, cocaine, marijuana and meth. Modern government now calls prescription drug abuse the fastest-growing addiction problem in our country. Further, we see stories emerging of youth abusing pills stolen off their parents or, worse, the most basic household items you would never think of.

Just a few of today’s youth drug threats include:

Synthetic Drugs (Bath Salts and Synthetic Marijuana)

Nutmeg

Hand Sanitizer

Air Conditioning Freon Gas

“Whippits”

Glue

In addition to this, a staggering rise in the popularity of OTC drug abuse has manifested in teens and young adults. Diet pills and cough syrup have developed as youth drug threats among those who will go to nearly any length to get high.

Adverse Effects Of OTC Cough Syrups And Diet Pills

The problem of prescription drug abuse has nearly overtaken the field of chemical dependency and treatment. Powerful pills, packed with mind-altering substances, are underestimated in their addictive qualities. Over the counter drugs are not generally as potent as prescription pills like Vicodin or Xanax, but they are more affordable and obtained without a doctor’s note.

Dextromethorphan (or DXM) is a very commonly abuse OTC drug found in a wide variety of cold and flu medicines as well as cough syrups. If taken excessively, the drug can cause hallucinations, dizzy spells, loss of coordination, nausea and generally distorted visual/mental perception. In extreme cases (when taken excessively and mixed with other drugs/alcohol), DXM is potentially fatal.

Stimulant drugs are found in diet pills, and these substances affect the central nervous system of the user. By making the heart beat faster, one’s metabolism usually improves, causing weight loss. These kinds of drugs, taken excessively, can cause rapid and unhealthy weight loss, interruption of normal sleep patterns, urinary tract infections, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, visual impairment and a discontinuation of a normal menstrual cycle.

Abuse of diet pills is especially risky for individuals with preexistent heart conditions or blood pressure issues. Even the stimulant diet pills that are marketed as “natural” could, if taken excessively enough, cause any of the above adverse reactions or eventually a heart attack.

Education Is The Most Powerful Anti-Drug

Prescription and over the counter drugs both are surrounded by misconceptions and false ideas. OTC medicines are purchasable at your local pharmacy, with no doctor permission or supervision required before purchase. Thus, they are thought to be safe and “good for you” no matter what the case.

You’ve often heard the saying, “everything in moderation.” This is no exception.

Take the time to educate yourself and your family members on the OTC drugs you buy, before consuming them. Understand all the drug facts, risks and adverse effects that are possible, as well as potential reactions to other drugs or alcohol. By proper education and moderate “by-the-box” use of OTC products, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.