Last Updated on October 9, 2016 by Morris Green

The flu, the common cold, a tummy ache, allergies—anyone suffering from these common ails can find relief at their local pharmacy. From symptom masking cold medicines to anti-acids and histamines, it’s a fair assumption that you have an over-the-counter drug in your medicine cabinet or on your person. But are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs addictive? Can they pose a threat similar to prescription painkiller or illicit drug abuse?

Use Only As Directed

OTC drugs are sold freely at supermarkets and drug stores. They aren’t the sort of product you associate with age unless you’re shopping for infant or children’s versions of common pain and cold drugs like Tylenol and Motrin. But have you ever taken the time to read the labels? Even over-the-counter products say to use only as directed or as instructed by a physician. Why?

The Risks of Abusing OTC Drugs

Much like prescription medications, OTCs are designed to be used in a specific manner. They are to be taken only if particular symptoms are occurring, in a certain dosage accompanied by a certain period of time, and for a specific length of time. When OTCs are taken incorrectly or knowingly abused, the risks can be just as dangerous—even deadly—as abusing prescription or illicit drugs.

OTC drugs containing dextromethorphan (DXM) are the most commonly abused. DMX is an active ingredient used to treat cold and flu symptoms, particularly cough. When taken in too high of a dose, it can distort vision, impair judgement, and even cause symptoms similar to being drunk like dizziness, loss of coordination, and nausea.

Long-term abuse of OTC drugs containing DMX is debilitating. Mixing OTCs with other drugs (prescription or illicit) or alcohol can be the cause of overdose and death.

But everyone knows about cough medicines, right? We’ve all heard about people downing cough suppressants like alcohol, and it’s not like you’re going to guzzle an OTC product the next time you want a buzz.

Did You Know?

Diet pills are one of the most addictive and actively abused over-the-counter drugs because of a dangerous stimulant known as ephedrine. And they are popular among youth. Ephedrine is supposed to stimulate weight loss, but it can easily trigger addiction. Most people start using a weight loss product with the best of intentions, but out of the need to see results or after seeing promising results, they start taking more than the approved dosage.

You might think all natural or herbal diet pills provide a safe zone, but even these can contain ephedrine. Some herbal or all natural solutions also contain ingredients that are just as dangerous.

Ephedrine can cause some ugly side effects including:

• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Menstrual cycle disruption
• Urinary tract infections
• Vision loss
• Vomiting

If abused for an extended period, diet pills can wreak havoc. They can cause your heart to beat faster, your metabolism to supercharge beyond safe levels, and impact your central nervous system. Heart problems or high blood pressure can develop, and if already present, these conditions can spiral to a heart attack or stroke.

OTC drugs may be easily accessible, but it doesn’t make them safer or less addictive than monitored or illegal drugs. Always follow the directions on the label, and only use them when necessary.