Over-the-counter drugs include sleep aids like Unisom® and Tylenol PM®, antihistamines like Benadryl and cough/cold medicine containing dextromethorphan (DXM), pain relievers containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen and others.
Street names or what teens might say: Tussin, Skittles, Robo, CCC, Triple C, Dex Syrup, and Red Devils.
Why are they abused? Cough medicines that include the ingredient Dextromethorphan or DXM taken in large does can cause a “high”. Feelings range from a euphoria, enhanced awareness, to distortion of color and sound to visual hallucinations and an “out-of-body” experience. Diet pills are abused as teens try to achieve an idealized weight. The substances found in diet pills and even herbal diet pills act as stimulants to the central nervous system, much like speed.
Why is abuse risky? Short-term effects may include impaired judgment, nausea, loss of coordination, headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, numbness of fingers and toes, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, aches, seizures, panic attacks, psychosis, euphoria, cold flashes, dizziness, and diarrhea. Long-term effects may include addiction, restlessness, insomnia, high-blood pressure, coma, or even death.
Adapted from www.theantidrug.com