Misuse, Abuse, and Addiction of OTC Drugs

Course overview

Over the counter OTC drugs are medications available without a prescription and have been recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration as safe if used at recommended doses. OTC medicines treat various illnesses and symptoms including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, constipation, acne, allergies, nasal congestion, and others. Unfortunately, as with illegal and prescription drugs, OTC medications can be abused. Some OTC medicines have active ingredients with the potential for addiction and misuse at higher than recommended dosages. Examples discussed in this webinar include: Dextromethorphan DXM Dimenhydrinate Dramamine Diphenhydramine Benadryl Promethazine Phenergan Pseudoephedrine Sudafed Antidiarrheal drugs that contain loperamide Immodium Nicotine replacement therapy The misuse of OTC medication occurs when a drug is taken in a manner or dose other than what is directed on the packaging. At higher dosages or when combined with other medicines, OTC drugs may cause intensified effects including euphoric states. Many combinations and dosages outside the package directions can create a psychoactive state. These actions can increase the risk of addiction. This webinar will explore the clinical differences between misuse, abuse, and addiction; adverse effects of commonly abused OTC medications; risk factors for OTC drug misuse; and short and long term effects of OTC drugs with addictive potential. The course will also describe how this information can improve patient care and patient outcomes for nursing, dental, pharmacy, mental health, dietetic, occupational, and physical therapy professionals.