How many teens abuse over the counter drugs?
The National Comorbidity Survey Replication, which is a large study that looks at different types of mental and physical disorders, reports that about 6 percent of young females and about 4 percent of young males abuse OTC diet medications.
Which age group is most likely to abuse over the counter drugs?
Adolescents may be the most at-risk age group for abusing over-the-counter medications, with a study performed by the University of Cincinnati finding that 10 percent of the 54,000 teens between grades 7 and 12 who were surveyed abused over-the-counter drugs.
What is the most misused over the counter drug?
There are two OTC medicines that are most commonly misused.
- Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant found in many OTC cold medicines.
- Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal that is available in tablet, capsule, or liquid form.
- DXM is an opioid without effects on pain reduction and does not act on the opioid receptors.
What are the risks of over the counter drugs?
Abusing OTC diet medications come with many risks, such as:
- Increased chance of stroke or heart attack.
- Gastrointestinal issues.
- Liver and kidney damage.
- Dehydration.
- Hallucinations or delusions.
- Depression and anxiety.
What are commonly abused over-the-counter drugs?
Most commonly abused over-the-counter drugs
- Dextromethorphan (DXM) DXM is used for temporary relief of cough caused by the common cold.
- Loperamide.
- Pseudoephedrine/phenylephrine.
- Diphenhydramine (DPH)
- Acetaminophen.
- Oxybutynin transdermal system.
- Antacids.
- Other regularly abused OTC products.
How do teens misuse prescription drugs?
Some teenagers seek to self-medicate (e.g., pain, anxiety, insomnia) by abusing their own or others’ prescriptions. Other teens use prescription drugs to enhance performance or abuse steroids to shape their bodies. Some teens take prescription drugs to get high or experiment, often combining them with alcohol.
Why do people take over-the-counter drugs?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. Some OTC medicines relieve aches, pains, and itches. Some prevent or cure diseases, like tooth decay and athlete’s foot. Others help manage recurring problems, like migraines and allergies.
Are over-the-counter drugs safer than prescription drugs?
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests and reviews all drugs. Only the safest medicines are allowed to be designated as OTC. Generally, OTC medicines are safe and effective when used to treat the intended condition or set of symptoms.