The Most Addictive Over the Counter Drugs

Although many drugs require a prescription, there are plenty over the counter medications that increase one's risk of side effects — including addiction. If a drug is not taken as prescribed, the user may find that they end up in a cycle of addictive thoughts and behaviors. Once a dependence develops, withdrawal symptoms often set in.

Without realizing it, users need to take higher and higher doses in order to feel normal. There have been numerous tragic accidents regarding over the counter drugs and millions more abuse them each year, increasing their risk of liver, heart, and brain damage. Based on their accessibility, the following ten drugs are being abused and addiction is an unfortunate side effect.

10. Cough Syrups

The active ingredient in dozens of cough syrups is dextromethorphan. When consumed in large doses, users experience distortions and euphoria. Cough medications have been a great concern amongst the teenage population, as many parents are unaware that these products can lead to these dangerous effects.

Since a large dose of cough medicine mixed with alcohol can be fatal, it's critical that you follow the recommended dose at all times. Once a dependence occurs, withdrawal symptoms will surface after discontinuing use — including severe depression. Although not much is known about the long-term complications, brain and heart damage may occur.

9. Painkillers

Of course, the more powerful painkillers require a prescription, however, when taken in large enough doses, over the counter painkillers can be just as damaging. One of the most common painkillers is ibuprofen and when taken in doses higher than the recommended amount or at an increased frequency, liver damage can occur.

In terms of addiction, there are over the counter painkillers that contain codeine. These are commonly found in drugs that target menstrual cramps, back pain, and headaches. In many cases, people become addicted accidentally which many are referring to as a 'hidden addiction.' In order to relieve their pain, they need to take more and more, resulting in an addiction.

8. Diet Pills

Although there are dozens of diet pills on the market, very few are approved for long-term use. Weight loss is an area that many are desperate to overcome and in turn, they place themselves at risk, potentially experiencing serious health complications. These pills often contain stimulants and when taken in high doses, addiction can occur.

The most commonly used diet pills are also the drugs which have the highest rates of addiction. These amphetamine-type pills suppress appetite, and when abused, can lead to paranoia, insomnia, chest pains, anxiety, depression, and more. When it comes to weight loss, nothing is more effective long-term than a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

7. Laxatives

Once again, those who are aiming to lose weight may rely on drastic measures. Laxatives are being taken by people of all ages, however, young adults are at an increased risk of abuse. When abused, these pills — including herbal diuretics, often lead to dehydrations, as well as the loss of vital minerals and salts.

Not always, but in many cases, those who are addicted to laxatives, also suffer from a comorbid eating disorder. Anorexia and bulimia are often mental health conditions, which correspond to laxative use. These drugs become a crutch and the end result is significant damage to their own bodies.

6. Pseudoephedrine

Sold as a nasal and sinus decongestant, this drug is meant to relieve users from allergies, a cold, or the flu. When taken in order to experience a high, this drug can create stimulant effects. Since this stimulant is similar to amphetamines, some seek this drug in order to produce illegal methamphetamine. When abused, serious side effects can occur, including irregular heartbeats and when combined with narcotics, paranoid psychosis.

5. Sexual Performance Drugs

Either bought in-store or online, both teens and adults purchase and abuse sexual performance drugs in order to counteract the effects of alcohol. The combination of these drugs and alcohol is extremely dangerous, especially when not used as directed. For those who continue to use these drugs on a weekly basis to enhance performance, often do not realize the dangers involved. Heart complications are the greatest concern, especially when taken in large doses.

4. Motion Sickness Pills

Depending on the type of pills sourced, motion sickness pills contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). When taken in large enough doses, users feel high and can experience hallucinations. Based on individual body weight and tolerance, the amount needed to cause these effects varies.

For those who are aiming to achieve this result, some individuals take up to 40 pills at a time. In severe cases, these doses can lead to heart attacks, coma, and death. Long-term abuse results in significant side effects, including memory loss and liver damage.

3. Herbal Ecstasy

Sold and marketed as a legal high, this combination of herbs is banned within herbal supplements only. Users can purchase this drug in music stores, gas stations, online, and even in some health food stores. These individuals then swallow, snort, or smoke this herbal ecstasy to experience increased awareness and euphoria.

Unfortunately, users can overdose and lose their life when taken in large doses. The main ingredient is ephedra, a stimulant that can cause life-threatening reactions, including seizures. For anyone that suffers from a heart condition, anxiety disorder, or diabetes are at an increased risk of significant adverse effects.

2. Sleeping Pills

Many individuals struggle to sleep and in turn, they rely on common sleeping aids. Once desperate for a good night's rest, many begin using sleeping aids on a regular basis. These pills are only intended for short-term use, which is why an addiction can develop so rapidly.

Users become reliant on these medications and quickly need them in order to sleep. Once abused for an extended period of time, extreme withdrawal symptoms develop. Some of the most common withdrawal effects include tremors, nausea, and sweating. In some cases, discontinuing use makes sleeping difficulties worse.

1. Asthma Inhalers

When suffering from asthma, the worry of not being able to breath is frightening. This is an addiction that has been off the radar until recently, with many teens and adults taking numerous puffs in order to get high. As one's blood pressure rises, dangerous side effects develop.

Although inhalers typically require a prescription, they are highly accessible. Within one study, it was found that some individuals would take extra puffs of their inhaler until they passed out. This was shocking to researchers, especially in terms of the self-reported rates of abuse.