Addiction to Over the Counter Medications

I have a friend who takes Advil Cold and Sinus twice a day every day.  She had been taking them for over a year.  Is she possibly addicted to them?

[FLaddict]

Its doubtful... the ingredients in this do not cause addiction normally.. i suppose she could be mentally addicted to taking them..

[lady_m]

I have taken 'cold' pills a few times because there is an ingredient in them (it is also found in cough syrup) that gets you high.  I forgot what the name of the ingredient is, but I do admit to doing that a few times some years ago.  It made me feel really out of it - I couldn't speak or move at a normal pace, I felt like I was floating.  It was strange, and not something I would recommend.

[FLaddict]

I had thought of that too but I checked and Advil Cold and Sinus does not contain that.. only Ibu and pseudofedrine

[lady_m]

Q: What is dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan is a safe and effective active ingredient found in many nonprescription cough syrups, tablets, and gel caps. When used accordingly to medicine label directions, the ingredient dextromethorphan produces few side effects and has a long history of safety. When abused in large amounts, it can produce a "high" feeling as well as a number of dangerous side effects.

Q: What are the effects of cough medicine abuse?

The effects of the abuse of cough medicines containing dextromethorphan vary with the amount taken. Common effects include confusion, dizziness, double or blurred vision, slurred speech, loss of physical coordination, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart beat, drowsiness, numbness of fingers and toes, and disorientation. DXM abusers describe different "plateaus" ranging from mild distortions of color and sound to visual hallucinations, "out-of-body" dissociative sensations, and loss of motor control. Side effects can be worsened if the dextromethorphan-containing cough medicine being abused also contains other ingredients to treat more than just coughs.

Cough medicine also is sometimes abused in combination with other medications, alcohol and illegal drugs, which can increase the dangerous side effects.

Q: What cough medicines contain dextromethorphan, or DXM?

There are well over 100 OTC medicines that contain dextromethorphan, either as the only active ingredient or in combination with other active ingredients. Some examples include Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine, Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold, Dayquil LiquiCaps, Dimetapp DM, Robitussin cough products, Sudafed cough products, Triaminic cough syrups, Tylenol Cold products, Vicks 44 Cough Relief products and Vicks NyQuil LiquiCaps. There also are a number of store brands that contain DXM.

[lady_m]

Oh really?  I'm not sure then.... doesn't seem like there would be anything in it to be "addicting" like you said.

[notmenow!]

Does your friend have an eating disorder? She may be using them as a form of a diet pill. I believe many of the medications that contain pseudofedrine are now sold behind the counter as they have been used in the production of meth. Does she ever by ephedrine which is sold in many convenient stores. She may just be using the meds for the pep they give when taken in normal doses for some or larger doses for others. In fact as of 1-1-07. you have to show an ID and sign a DEA log. Some suboxone users on maintenace use ephedrine or sudafed for the energy it seems to produce. But I would not recommend it.    

[Gypsygirl66]

In some ppl pseudoepinephrin  can be addictive, it can have a speedy effect on ppl. That is why it is popular among ppl with eating disorders. However it is not only ppl with eating disorders that abuse this medication. It is likely that your friend is using for the speed effect, whether it be for an eating disorder or not. Unless your friend is willing to admit he/she has a problem it is unlikely they will get help. All you can do is suggest they get help and be as supportive as you can be. Goos luck to you and your friend!!

Peace,
Gypsy

[misskeeto]

just like me, perhaps this is the one thing she can take that makes her feel "normal" this product you only take one (sometimes twice a day) not often, and you feel so much better with it than without it, I may be addicted, on one a day even though seems unlikely, but I really do have to take it every day,(which I feel makes me dependant) but, I can think and function and not be dizzy, its improved my life, i hope long term it doesnt hurt me, I've literally had every test under the sun, and no one can find anything, yet, there is something, and one little pill once a day, helps me..

[rooster23]

I feel exactly the same way.  It makes me feel normal and less fidgity.  There is no high effect for me.  It just keeps me on a normal plane and helps tremendously with anxiety and headaches that were going developing into migraines at times.