Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs
Over the counter (OTC) drugs are common, cheap, and legal and can be found at pharmacies, grocery stores, or elsewhere. A great majority of OTCs contain an opiate derivative known as dextromethorphan (DXM). Approximately half of OTC drugs contain DXM equating to over 125 different OTC medications. DXM can be found in capsules, gel capsules, tablets, lozenges, and syrups. Drugs with DXM are often labeled as DM, cough, or cough suppressants and are often used with colds. These drugs are easily affordable and available to teenagers either at home or at places as convenient as the mini-mart of a gas station. Today, teenagers are also using the Internet to buy the pure powder form of DXM, which can be taken orally as a tablet or inhaled as a powder. Users abuse DXM for the hallucinogenic effect. "Dexing" is the term for abusing DXM and street names for DXM include, Triple C, Skittles, DM, DEX, Tussin, Vitamin D, or Red Devils. Even though DXM is a legal, over the counter drug and when used appropriately are relatively safe, its negative effects when taken in higher than recommended doses can be physically damaging resulting in even death. Other OTC's of abuse include sleep aids (doxylamine, ex: Unisom), antihistamines (diphenhydramine, ex: Benadryl), and dimenhydrinates (ex: Dramamine)
Physical and Psychological Effects:
All these OTC's when abused cause hallucinogenic effects and when combined with alcohol can be deadly. High doses of DXM can distort one's thinking and cause a loss of motor control. It can also lead to hallucinations and dissociative ("out-of-body") feelings that are attractive to the abuser. Physical effects of DXM are numerous and can lead to death. Some of the effects are transitory in nature but others can lead to permanent damage.
Physical Risks
- Infertility
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Numbness of extremities (i.e. fingers and toes)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Dry itchy skin
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Redness of face
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Hyperthermia
- Brain damage
- Death
Mental Health and Behavioral Risks
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Impaired judgment
- Insomnia
Social Risks
- Possible decling grades
- Loss of friends
Warning Signs
- OTC drugs missing from medicine cabinet
- OTC drugs present in child's room or backpack
- Increased usage of cough or cold medications even when not sick
