Over-the-counter Medicine Facts
Over-the-Counter Medicine Facts
Young people who use over-the-counter medicines incorrectly or in excess may show the following behavioural effects:
-mood swings;
-raiding the home medicine cupboard;
-behaving in a restless, agitated or aggressive way;
-losing inhibitions (while intoxicated);
-having big ideas - grandiosed (frequent use);
-being hyperactive (ephedrine use while intoxicated);
-being slow and drowsy (from antihistamines on their own or codeine use while intoxicated).
Young people who use over-the-counter medicines incorrectly or in excess may show the following physical effects:
-headaches;
-small pupils from antihistamine and codeine use (while intoxicated);
-large pupils from ephedrine use (while intoxicated);
-sweating while intoxicated on ephedrine and when the level of codeine is decreasing in the body;
-a dry tongue, especially with ephedrine use;
-a staggering walk and slurred speech, with codeine or antihistamine use; poor short-term memory;
-spider naevi - see Alcohol Facts (heavy use).
General facts about over-the-counter medicines
An increased number of medicines are becoming readily available from chemists and supermarkets. This freer access assumes that the public will be responsible for deciding on suitable treatment for ailments. Many people, however, are unaware of the dangers and addictive properties of many of these products.
There are three basic categories that young people may use for mood or mind altering effects.
1 . Codeine phosphate
Codeine comes from the opium poppy and is related to morphine and heroin. It is found in tablets such as codeis and panadeine; in cough mixtures such as codral; and in cold and 'flu preparations such as codral cold and 'flu tablets.
Within two to three weeks of consecutive use a physical and psychological addiction may develop. Misuse will lead to an apathetic, dulling-type effect, a lack of co-ordination and dulled responses.
2. Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine
Ephedrine's chemical structure is related to the stimulant methamphetamine. It is found in cold and 'flu preparations of varying kinds, and in nasal sprays.
Ephedrine's action is also similar to the effect of adrenaline. On-going use of about two weeks can lead to psychological addiction.
3. Antihistamines
These products slow the brain and nervous system down when consumed alone. They are found in cough mixtures, cold and congestion medicines of many kinds, and in motion sickness and anti-allergy preparations.
When consumed with alcohol, they may enhance the pleasurable effects of alcohol and other products such as Valium.
The drugs that appeal most to young people appear to be the legal drugs of alcohol and tobacco and the illegal drug cannabis.
For more information, please feel free to email Senior Constable Ian Browne
