Over The Counter (OTC) Drug Abuse Teens are 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.
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 some of
the dangerous and addictive substances found in diet pills.
Herbal, sometimes referred to as "natural", weight loss products
can be just as dangerous as diet pills