|
|
 |
| Signs and effects of prescription and over the counter drugs
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
Prescription (Rx) drug abuse has become a dangerous trend across the U.S. There are internet sites that sell Rx drugs, to anyone, of any age, without a doctor’s prescription. A credit card is all that is required. Rx drugs fall into 3 main categories: Stimulants, typically used to increase energy, stay awake, lose weight,
improve concentration, etc. (Nodoz, Dexedrine, Ephedrine, Methicathinone, Ritalin, Adderall, Stratera, etc.); Sedatives, typically used to control anxiety, and as a sleeping aid, (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Trazedone, etc) Opiates (derived from heroin), typically used for pain management. (narcotics such as Morphine, Oxycontin,
Percocet, Hydrocodone, Codeine, Lortab, Vicodin, Darvocet, etc.)
Each of these Rx drugs is highly addictive and serious withdrawal symptoms can occur if the user abruptly stops use. Misuse of these drugs can lead to heart attacks, liver damage, stroke, coma, respiratory conditions, anxiety, overdose and death. OTC drug abuse has become an alarming concern with the number of youth abusing them across the country. In fact, 1 out of 10 teens nationwide say they have taken cough remedies to get high. Cheap and readily available cough and cold medicines, such as Coricidin, Robitussin, Triaminic, Dimetapp, Nyquil, Mucinex DM, Sudafed Cough, Theraflu, Vicks 44, etc, that contain the ingredient Dextromethorphan (DXM-a narcotic derivative) is being abused for its “high” effect (dizziness, “out-of-body: sensation, giddiness, confusion, blurred vision, etc).
This often leads to accidental overdose and death. The “high” can take effect in about 30 minutes and last for several hours. Other dangerous effects include insomnia, heart palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, and respiratory problems. Products containing DXM usually also contain other substances like antihistamines, decongestants, or acetaminophen, which, if taken at high doses, can be fatal.
Street or Slang Terms for OTC Drugs
· DXM
· Dexy
· Dex
· Syrup
· Robo
· Triple C, Skittles (Coricidin)
· Smurfing (buying cough meds from multiple retail stores)
Prescription (Rx) drug abuse has become a dangerous trend across the U.S. There are internet sites that sell Rx drugs, to anyone, of any age, without a doctor’s prescription. A credit card is all that is required. Rx drugs fall into 3 main categories: Stimulants, typically used to increase energy, stay awake, lose weight,
improve concentration, etc. (Nodoz, Dexedrine, Ephedrine, Methicathinone, Ritalin, Adderall, Stratera, etc.); Sedatives, typically used to control anxiety, and as a sleeping aid, (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Trazedone, etc) Opiates (derived from heroin), typically used for pain management. (narcotics such as Morphine, Oxycontin,
Percocet, Hydrocodone, Codeine, Lortab, Vicodin, Darvocet, etc.)
Each of these Rx drugs is highly addictive and serious withdrawal symptoms can occur if the user abruptly stops use. Misuse of these drugs can lead to heart attacks, liver damage, stroke, coma, respiratory conditions, anxiety, overdose and death. OTC drug abuse has become an alarming concern with the number of youth abusing them across the country. In fact, 1 out of 10 teens nationwide say they have taken cough remedies to get high. Cheap and readily available cough and cold medicines, such as Coricidin, Robitussin, Triaminic, Dimetapp, Nyquil, Mucinex DM, Sudafed Cough, Theraflu, Vicks 44, etc, that contain the ingredient Dextromethorphan (DXM-a narcotic derivative) is being abused for its “high” effect (dizziness, “out-of-body: sensation, giddiness, confusion, blurred vision, etc).
This often leads to accidental overdose and death. The “high” can take effect in about 30 minutes and last for several hours. Other dangerous effects include insomnia, heart palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, and respiratory problems. Products containing DXM usually also contain other substances like antihistamines, decongestants, or acetaminophen, which, if taken at high doses, can be fatal.
Street or Slang Terms for OTC Drugs
· DXM
· Dexy
· Dex
· Syrup
· Robo
· Triple C, Skittles (Coricidin)
· Smurfing (buying cough meds from multiple retail stores)
|
 |
|
|
|
|