Addictive drugs without a prescription are available not only in pharmacies, but also in grocery stores and gas stations. That is why both addicts and those who want to experiment with stimulants, e.g. teenagers, can buy them without any problems. Check what addictive substances are in popular over-the-counter cough and cold medications.
Drugs addictive - rhinitis medications
Medications designed to clear a stuffy nose may contain addictive substances such aspseudoephedrine hydrochlorideor pseudoephedrine sulfate (e.g. SudafedPseudoephedrineis an amphetamine derivative, making it one of the most dangerous over-the-counter addictive substances. The risk of addiction to pseudoephedrine increases if we combine it with potassium permanganate, thanks to which we can easily precipitate methcathinone - a strong psychoactive substance.
Addictive drugs - cough and sore throat medications
Cough medications, taken in amounts greater than those recommended in this leaflet, may be addictive because they contain:
- ww. pseudoephedrine (e.g. Gripex),
- codeine phosphate, i.e. codeine (e.g. Thiocodin),
- Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, also known as Dextromethorphan or DXM (e.g. Acodin, Choligrip for the night),
Codeineis one of the substances found in opium. Like morphine, it abolishes pain, and when used in doses higher than recommended by the doctor, it can cause states of euphoria and blissful apathy. Symptoms of overdose can be observed after exceeding 300 mg per day.
In turn, the maximum daily dose ofdextromethorphanis 120 mg. Consumption of more is manifested in excitability or inactivity, aggressive behavior or euphoric states. Dextromethorphan is also often delusional.
Addictive drugs - allergy medications
Allergy medications usually contain one substance that can be addictive - cetirizine dihydrochloride (e.g. Allertec, Zyrtec).Cetirizineis used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies. In addition, it stimulates the secretion of an appropriate dose of dopamine - the substance responsible fornicotine addiction. If the daily dose of 10 mg is exceeded, it may cause psychological dependence.
Drugs addictive - medicines for motion sickness
Medications for motion sickness, such as Lokomotiv and Aviomarin, containdimenhydramine , which prevents nausea and vomiting. It also has a calming effect and helps you fall asleep. The most common effects of dimenhydrinate overdose include:
- anxiety and irritability,
- body imbalance,
- hallucinations and delirium,
- visual disturbance.
Addictive drugs - drugs used in the treatment of diseases of intimate zones
Medicines used to treat vulvovaginitis containbenzyidamine(eg Tantum Rosa). It is an anti-inflammatory substance that fights bacterial infections and soothes swelling. Benzydamine is available over the counter as lozenges, creams, mouthwashes, or sachets containing a solution to be dissolved in water. It is in the latter form that it is most often used by addicts. Benzydamine acts on the central nervous system and causes hallucinations, restlessness and agitation after a daily dose of 500 mg.