10 OTC Drugs That Get You Higher Than Marijuana

Most people believe that over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are safer than illegal drugs and certain prescription medicines because they are readily available without a doctor’s prescription. The OTC medicines are safe when they are taken as directed. However, abuse and overuse of OTC medicines can result in serious complications, sometimes with fatal consequences. Some OTC medicines are derivatives of prescription medicines and cause serious side effects.

Drug abuse of OTC medicines has steadily increased because people use them to get “high” and experience a state of euphoria. Teenagers and adults commonly use OTC medicines for non-medical reasons other than those indicated in the label. The OTC medicines are readily available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores. When used in combination with alcohol and other medicines, commonly used OTC medicines become risky with serious effects on health of the individual.

Studies conducted in the United States shows that OTC drug abuse is a concern that is spiraling out of control, especially among teenagers. It is estimated that 1 in 8 teens gets high on OTC cough medicine, making cough medicines one of the most popular OTC medicines abused by teenagers. Most teenagers do not believe that abusing cough medicine to reach a “high” state is risky.

There has been a decline in overall drug use in recent years, but teenagers assume that abusing OTC drugs is safer than illicit drugs available on the street. Parents may be unaware of the dangers in their own homes when OTC drugs are stored in the medicine cabinet well within reach of the teenager looking for drug abuse. Parents must talk to their children about the dangers of OTC drug abuse, and the dire health consequences that can result from overuse.

Some ingredients in OTC drugs are commonly found in illicit drugs. Overuse of OTC drugs can cause several serious side effects including dizziness, syncope, accelerated heartbeat, difficulty with breathing, and abdominal discomfort. Most people have prescription medicines in their homes that are taken along with OTC medicines and may cause harmful interactions in the body. Teenagers who want to get “high” on OTC medicines are tempted by the easily available medicines at home and across drug stores and supermarkets.

The most commonly abused OTC medicines include cold and cough medicines, painkillers, antihistamines, sedatives, opioids and morphine derivatives, stimulants, tranquilizers and muscle relaxers, and anabolic steroids.

Ten OTC Drugs That Produce Marijuana-Like Effects

The list below includes the most popular 10 OTC medicines used to get “high.”

1. Dextromethorphan

DXM or Dextromethorphan is a safe, effective, and active ingredient present in most OTC cough medicines. When used according to the medicine label directions, it is safe and produces few side effects. When abused in large amounts, it produces a “high” feeling of euphoria and elevated mood, accompanied by a number of side effects depending on the amount of DXM taken.

Effects of overuse include confusion, blurred or double vision, dizziness, loss of coordination, nausea and vomiting accompanied by abdominal pain, and rapid heartbeat. Slang terms for DXM include Skittling, Robo-ing, and Robo-tripping. Common cough remedies used are NyQuil, Coricidin, and Robitussin among others.

2. Coricidin

Coricidin HBP is a common decongestant that is safe if it is used as directed on the label. The product contains a combination of substances that can produce symptoms of slurred speech, nausea, ataxia, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and hallucinations if used incorrectly.

3. Cyclizine

Cyclizine is an antihistamine used to treat vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It is used recreationally and works similarly to Doxylamine. It causes extreme hallucinations, confusion, and disorientation, if used improperly.

4. Diet Pills

Misuse of diet pills signals an eating disorder. Initial use of a few pills to lose weight becomes an addiction because of certain substances present in the pill such as ephedrine, ephedra, and phenylpropanolamine. Diet pills can cause hallucinations and acute psychosis.  

In the United State, although the Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of dangerous stimulants in OTC diet pills, other substances present in the pill can cause dangerous symptoms.  Nervousness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and extreme paranoia can result due to overdose of diet pills.

5. Sedatives

Barbiturates are used commonly as a sedative and anticonvulsant. It is abused as a hypnotic and overdose of a sedative can result in death due to respiratory distress. Symptoms of overuse include headaches, confusion, agitation, and seizures.

6. Stimulants

Stimulants that are abused include amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamine, and Methylphenidate.

7. Tranquilizers and Muscle Relaxers

Sleep aids and anti-anxiety medicines are commonly used for non-medical use. Most of these medicines are benzodiazepines, which are used for detoxification. An overdose can result in respiratory distress, especially when it is used in a combination with other sedatives or alcohol. Muscle relaxants can be addictive when it causes a mild euphoric sensation. A higher dose results in difficulty with coordination and balance. Insomnia, hallucinations, muscle twitching, and tremor can result due to overdose.

8. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are often abused for a quick burst of energy and to achieve a state of euphoria.  A few cans of energy drinks like Red Bull make you lightheaded and increases your heart rate.  It also causes panic attacks and may lead to accidental death.

9. Herbal Ecstasy

A mix of common inexpensive herbs when sold in the form of a pill and swallowed can produce euphoria and increased awareness.  The product is easily available in gas stations, food stores, and can be purchased online.  Adverse effects can range from severe muscle spasms and high blood pressure to seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death.

10. Doxylamine

An antihistamine, Doxylamine is sold under the brand name, Unisom. It is used as an antiallergenic and a sedative. Its hallucinogenic properties can cause confusion and agitation. Some of the medicines that may produce adverse reactions with Doxylamine are alcohol, barbiturates, antidepressants, muscle relaxers, and antipsychotics.

Adults and teens do not realize the potential dangers of ordinary OTC drugs that are readily available. Little attention is paid to the risks associated with OTC drugs.  Educational interventions in schools and at home can go a long way in preventing teens and young adults from abusing OTC medicines.