Protect teens from 'legal' drug abuse

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication may not be what comes to mind when you think of drug abuse.

But teenagers using OTC drugs, such as cough and cold remedies to get high, is a growing problem. And many products are widely available.

Cold medicines such as Robitussin, Nyquil, Vicks Formula 44, and Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold tablets contain a chemical called dextromethorphan (DXM), found in more than 120 non-prescription cough and cold medications.

In large doses DXM can produce a ‘high’ feeling and can be dangerous.

Over-the-counter drug abuse also occurs with laxatives, diuretics and diet pills, as teens try to achieve an idealized weight.

Herbal, sometimes referred to as ‘natural’, weight loss products can be just as dangerous.

All of these substances act as stimulants to the ­central nervous system and can have potentially fatal side effects.

Some herbal diet pills, many from China, contain derivatives of a weight loss medication known to have serious side effects.

Motion sickness pills such as Dramamine can also cause hallucinations if taken in large doses.

Sleep aids like Tylenol PM, Excedrin PM and Sominex can cause extreme drowsiness when abused and lead to narcolepsy — short sleep episodes and sudden weakness in the arms and legs.

Sleep aids can also exert a stimulant effect that ­disrupts the teen’s regular sleeping pattern.

Danger

The bottom line is taking medication in any other way than the recommended dosage is dangerous.

The key to prevention is that parents need to talk to their children about the dangers of abusing over-the-counter drugs.

These are powerful substances which when abused, can be just as dangerous as street drugs.

Here are some steps parents can take to prevent OTC abuse:

• Safeguard all drugs at home. Monitor quantities and control access.

• Set clear rules for teens about all drug use.

• Be a good role model by following rules with your own medicine. Before you or your child take any OTC medication, carefully read the label and/or consult with your family physician or pharmacist about potential side effects.

• Closely observe your teenager’s behaviour. Does he/she seem sluggish or very stimulated? Are his or her pupils dilated? Other symptoms of OTC abuse include poor memory, mood changes, anxiety, lack of interest in normal activities, confusion, poor performance at school, and inability to think clearly.

• If you believe your teenager is abusing OTC medications, contact a drug treatment centre or drug counsellor about what action to take next, in your child’s best interests.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For more information visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.