“Over the counter” or OTC medications are medications that can be purchased without a prescription. OTC medications include standard household pain relievers, vitamins and supplements, cough syrups and cold medications, and other drugs you may see on supermarket shelves.

OTC medications can be misused and abused just like prescription drugs. Here are some tips for informing yourself and others about OTC drug safety:

• Talk with youth early and often about over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse so they understand that even common medicines can be dangerous if misused.
• DXM (found in cough medicine) can cause hallucinations and a dangerous high when taken in large amounts, even though it is easy to find at home.
• Motion sickness medicines like Benadryl or Dramamine can be harmful when misused and may lead to serious risks like seizures, coma, and long-term memory or organ problems.
• Diet and caffeine pills and other stimulants can raise heart risks and may cause hallucinations, organ damage, or other serious health effects when abused.
• Pain relievers, especially NSAIDs or acetaminophen products like Tylenol, can damage the liver, kidneys, and heart if taken in unsafe amounts.

If you ever have questions about OTC or prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist.