Drugs - Over-the-Counter

Over-the-Counter Drug Facts

This is not intended to be a complete list of the over-the-counter drugs that can be used inappropriately and dangerously.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) Containing Products - Sold as a cough suppressant, such as Coricidin HPB Cold and Cough, NyQuil, Robitussin, Vick's 44, Contac Severe Cold and Flu, Dimetapp and others.

Methods of Use:  Abusers take a high dosage at one time to achieve an LSD-like high.

Risks: High dosages can cause an accelerated heartbeat, high blood pressure, hallucinations, slurred speech, sedation, tremors, seizures, temporary blindness, dilated pupils, severe flushing or coma.

Street Names:  "Triple C," "Core," "Robo," "Red Devils," "DXM," and "Dex"

Ephedrine Containing Products - Sold as dietary supplements, sports performance enhancements and for body building purposes.

Methods of Use:  It is a central nervous system stimulant. It can be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

          Risks:  High dosages can cause a heart attack, seizure, stroke, and death.   

Pseudoepherdrine - Sold to relieve nasal congestion and for a sinus condition, such as Dimetapp, Aleve Sinus Headache, Contac Severe Cold and Flu, Sudafed, Benadryl Alergy and Sinus Headache, NyQuil, Vick's 44 and others.

          Methods of Use: Controlled narcotic substance used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, an illegal drug.         

Risks:  High dosages can cause headaches, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, seizures, stroke and death.      

Menthol Containing Products - Sold as Vick's Vapo-Rub and Vick's Vapo-Inhalers, Mentholatum Ointment, Equate and other generic brands.

Methods of Use:  Used to enhance the effects of ecstasy.

Nutmeg - Sold as a spice.

Methods of Use:  Used as a hallucinogenic.

Flavor Extracts - Sold as Vanilla, Orange, Mint Extract and others.

Methods of Use: Used for the alcoholic content.

Mouthwashes - Sold as Dr. Tichenor's and others

Methods of Use:  Used for the alcoholic content.  Dr. Tichenor's Mouthwash is 70 percent alcohol.

Nail Polish Remover - Sold as Once Removed Nail Polish Remover.

Methods of Use:  Used for the Butyrolactone Hydropropylcellulose - Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL) is used in the manufacture of GHB. Some abusers will consume small quantities of GBL because once in the body the chemicals are converted into GHB.

Risks: GBL produces a sedative-like condition similar to the effects of GHB. It can cause respiratory distress, seizures, coma and death.

Sources:

"DEA Arrests Alleged Pseudoephedrine Traffickers in
   Chicago Prong of Operation Northern Star"
News Release - April 15, 2003
Drug Enforcement Administration
Washington, D.C.
www.dea.gov

"HHS Acts to Reduce Safety Concerns Associated
   with Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra"
FDA Fact Sheet, February 28, 2003
Federal Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C.
www.fda.gov

"Adverse Events with Ephedra and Other Botanical
   Dietary Supplements"
FDA Medical Bulletin, September 1994
Federal Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C.
www.fda.gov

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