What Over the Counter Drug products are teens abusing?
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. Over-the-counter drug abuse also occurs with laxatives, diuretics, emetics, and diet pills, as teens try to achieve an idealized weight. Young people may start taking just a few diet pills but then graduate to full addiction and dependence. Ephedrine, caffeine, and phenylpropranolamine are just
