Over the counter (OTC) Drug abuse

Bring it up after practice, at dinner, or during TV time. But make sure that you do bring it up. Spotting OTC drug misuse can be tough, and your child may feel that OTC drugs are not dangerous. But if you sit down with them early and discuss the risks covered below, along with your values and expectations as a family, your child can develop a healthy understanding of the risks involved with abusing these medications.

OTC motion sickness medications often contain diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate. You may know these drugs, such as Benadryl and Dramamine, respectively. While symptoms of motion sickness medication abuse vary significantly depending on body weight and metabolism, some serious risks include heart attack, seizures, and coma.

Chronic abuse can result in organ damage to the liver or kidneys, cognitive issues, such as problems with memory and learning, and psychological symptoms, like depression.

OTC pain reliever misuse is tricky to detect because it happens as a way to control pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) are the most dangerous kind. Drugs that contain acetaminophen, for example Tylenol, can lead to liver damage, kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications if abused.