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Over-the-Counter Medicines misused by Clients : |
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INFORMATION ON OTC PRODUCTS CURRENTLY MISUSED BY "OVER-COUNT CLIENTS :- These Products commonly come under the category of "P" listed Medicines,which means they can only be sold at a Dispensing Pharmacy,under the supervision of a Qualified Chemist. There are several other Products,which carry a "GSL" Licence,and these are permitted to be sold at general outlets,without supervision. The "P" listed Products most misused,come under 3 main Categories ;- (1) DEPRESSANTS - Which can be recognised as including the active Generic Ingredients,- Morphine,Tincture of Opium,Codeine Phosphate,and Dihydrocodeine Tartrate,Dextrometh- orphan,etc. These are mainly Narcotics,in the Opiate Family of Drugs. Can be found present in Cough/Cold Treatments and Linctuses, Painkiller and Analgesic Tablets and Capsules, Diarrhoea and Stomach Upset Mixtures,etc. Misuse causes feelings of Euphoria,Relaxation and Mental Detachment,etc. (2) STIMULANTS - Which can be recognised as including these active Generic Ingredients,- Ephedrine Hydrochloride,Pseudephedrine Hydrochloride,Caffeine,etc. The first 2 Ingredients are commonly used as a Broncho-dilator,and have CNS Stimulative effects similar,though weaker than,other Amphetamine-like Drugs,in the same Family. Can be found present in Cough/Cold Treatments,Decongestants,especially those marketed as "Non-Drowsy" Preparations. A Drug Screening Urinalysis given to even genuine Users of these Products,will produce a "Positive" Result for the presence of Amphetamines. Misuse causes feelings of Euphoria,Excitement and Increased Awareness/Alertness. (3) SEDATIVES - Which can commonly be recognised as including these active Generic Ingred- ients,- Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Promethazine Hydrochloride,etc. These are Anti-histamines which have marked Sedative effects when taken in normal Doseages. Can be present in may Cough/Cold Treatments,Decongestants,etc,and have been recently been permitted to be marketed solely for their Sedative properties,in the presentation of so-called "Nightime Sleep Aids". Commonly misused with co-consumption of Alcohol,especially by the 14-25yr old,Male young Unemployed,Social Group. Misuse with Alcohol,causes temporary "High" lasting up to 3 hours duration,followed by (Reports indicate),almost no "hangover" or residual Drowsiness affecting the Abuser. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All the Reports presented to Over-Count,indicate Abusers of the Products listed above,show the classic symptons of a Clinical Drug Addiction,with both Physical and Psychological Effects present. There are many other Abusers of OTC Products,who appear to exhibit only a Psychological Addiction only,to a Product. However,these Products mainly fall under the Category of a "GSL" Product Licence.
It is also worth noting,that not all OTC Product Addicts,are dependent on regulary taking large daily Quantities of their specific Drug. Many report that they have become Dependent on having to take a daily Amount of their Product,which is UNDER the Maximum Daily Recommended Doseage, |