Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital, spoke with NBC5 to reiterate warnings of the dangers of abusing over-the-counter medicines.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a series of alerts in the past few years about the serious risks that come with misusing cold medicines, nasal decongestants, cough syrups, and other products. Those warnings followed an increase in reports that social media trends had been encouraging people to take large doses of certain products to try to hallucinate.
“If they’re driving, that could be a very big danger,” First warned.
While nonprescription products are generally safe when used properly, First told NBC5 News that extra-large doses taken to try to get high can cause serious emergencies like stoppage of breathing.
“Parents, you need to be aware that over-the-counter medicines can be just as dangerous as prescription medicines,” First said. First said if parents are worried their children could be abusing medicine for coughs, colds, or allergies, they should talk to their health care professional to see if counseling or treatment should be considered.