Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands...Read more
If you’re looking for a legal and relatively safe way to get high, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the different over the counter drugs that can get you high, what effects to expect, and any potential risks associated with their use. So if you’re curious about what over the counter drugs can do for you, keep reading to find out more.
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that can get you high include cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan, antihistamines like diphenhydramine and doxylamine, and sleep aids like melatonin, benzodiazepines, and benzodiazepine-like agents. Some of these OTC drugs are available in higher doses than are recommended for the treatment of certain medical conditions, which can lead to a euphoric feeling when taken in doses higher than recommended. While some of these drugs offer legitimate medical benefits, they can be dangerous when taken in large doses and without medical supervision.
What Over-the-Counter Drugs are Used to Get High?
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medications that can be purchased without a prescription. They are often used to treat minor ailments such as headaches, colds, and allergies. However, some of these drugs can also be used to get high. Many of these drugs contain active ingredients that can cause psychoactive effects when taken in large doses.
The most commonly abused OTC drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines. These drugs contain active ingredients such as codeine, diphenhydramine, and pseudoephedrine, which can produce euphoria, hallucinations, and other psychoactive effects when taken in large doses. Other OTC medications such as diet pills and laxatives can also be abused for their stimulant effects.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, but they can also be abused for their psychoactive effects. Common OTC antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl) can produce a euphoric, sedative-like high when taken in large doses. These drugs can also cause hallucinations, delusions, and erratic behavior. The effects of antihistamine abuse can be dangerous and even deadly, so it is important to use them as directed.
Side Effects of Antihistamine Abuse
When taken in large doses, antihistamines can cause a range of unpleasant side effects. These include confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, impaired coordination, and increased heart rate. Long-term abuse of these drugs can lead to addiction, organ damage, and even death.
Treatment for Antihistamine Abuse
Treatment for antihistamine abuse typically involves a combination of counseling, lifestyle changes, and medication. It is important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your condition.
Decongestants
Decongestants are commonly used to treat nasal congestion and other related ailments. However, they can also be abused for their stimulant effects. Common OTC decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed) can produce a euphoric, energizing high when taken in large doses. These drugs can also cause agitation, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.
Side Effects of Decongestant Abuse
When taken in large doses, decongestants can cause a range of unpleasant side effects. These include insomnia, dizziness, blurred vision, elevated blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Long-term abuse of these drugs can lead to addiction, organ damage, and even death.
Treatment for Decongestant Abuse
Treatment for decongestant abuse typically involves a combination of counseling, lifestyle changes, and medication. It is important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Over the Counter Drugs Can Get You High?
What is Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is a common active ingredient in many over-the-counter cold medicines. It is an antitussive, or cough suppressant, which means it works to reduce the urge to cough. When taken in high doses, DXM can cause mild to intense hallucinations and other psychoactive effects. It is also one of the most commonly abused over-the-counter drugs.
What are the Effects of Abusing Dextromethorphan?
Abusing Dextromethorphan can cause a range of effects, including mild to intense hallucinations, euphoria, confusion, and impaired motor skills. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Long-term abuse of DXM can lead to dependence, mood swings, and memory loss.
What is Loperamide?
Loperamide is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal drug. It works by slowing down the movement of the intestines, which helps reduce the number of bowel movements and makes diarrhea easier to control. When taken in high doses, loperamide can produce a feeling of euphoria and sedation. It can also cause adverse side effects, such as slowed breathing, constipation, and heart palpitations.
What are the Effects of Abusing Loperamide?
Abusing loperamide can cause a range of effects, including euphoria, sedation, slowed breathing, constipation, and heart palpitations. Long-term abuse of loperamide can lead to dependence, addiction, and even death.
What is Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter nasal decongestants. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose, which helps to reduce nasal congestion. When taken in high doses, pseudoephedrine can cause mild to intense stimulant effects, including increased alertness, energy, and euphoria.
What are the Effects of Abusing Pseudoephedrine?
Abusing pseudoephedrine can cause a range of effects, including increased alertness, energy, and euphoria. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and an irregular heart rate. Long-term abuse of pseudoephedrine can lead to dependence, addiction, and even death.
The dangers of over-the-counter medicines
In conclusion, there are several common over the counter drugs that can get you high if taken in large doses. These include antihistamines, cold and cough medicines, and decongestants. However, it is important to remember that taking these drugs in large doses can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, if you are considering trying to get high from over the counter drugs, it is important to talk to your doctor first and get their advice on the best course of action.
Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands the complex needs of those struggling with addiction and utilizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to address them. He is well-versed in traditional and innovative therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.
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