Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Abuse of Over the Counter Drugs ”What‘s in Your Medicine Cabinet?”
Abuse of Over the Counter Drugs ”What‘s in Your Medicine Cabinet?”
Abuse of Over the Counter Drugs ”What‘s in Your Medicine Cabinet?”
Tuesday 16th November 2021
Drs. Petersen and Cook discuss the hidden dangers of over-the-counter drugs and provide expert advice on recognizing and treating abuse in 'The Addiction Files'.
Explicit
41 minutes
Informative
Educational
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Hidden Hazards: The Real Risks of Over-the-Counter Medications
When you think of any drug of abuse, think of the mesolimbic pathway when you have these rewarding pathways that increase any kind of salient activity in that part of the brain, increases motivation and learning and repeat seeking of that medication.
Have you ever considered the hidden dangers lurking in your medicine cabinet? In this episode of 'The Addiction Files', Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook shine a light on the often-overlooked risks associated with common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. From cough syrups to allergy pills, they break down how substances like dextromethorphan, loperamide, pseudoephedrine, and diphenhydramine can be misused, leading to serious health consequences. Drs.
Petersen and Cook, both board-certified in addiction and family medicine, guide listeners through the prevalence of OTC drug abuse, its symptoms, and potential treatments. They don't just list the dangers; they dive into how these drugs affect the brain's reward system, making them more addictive than you might think. For instance, dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in cough medicines, can cause hallucinations and severe sedation when taken in large doses.
Meanwhile, loperamide, often used for diarrhea, can lead to dangerous heart conditions if misused. But it's not all doom and gloom. The hosts also share practical advice on how to spot signs of OTC drug abuse and what steps can be taken to address it. They emphasize the importance of asking patients directly about their use of these medications, as many people don't realize that OTC drugs can be just as harmful as their prescription counterparts.
This episode is packed with expert interviews and clinical tips that are invaluable for anyone in the medical field or those concerned about substance abuse. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone looking to understand more about the risks in your own home, this episode offers crucial insights into a topic that doesn't get enough attention.
So, if you've ever wondered about the real risks of those seemingly harmless pills in your medicine cabinet, tune in to 'The Addiction Files' for an eye-opening discussion.