Over-The-Counter Medications: A Literature Review

The article “Intentional Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medications, Mental Health, and Polysubstance Use in Young Adults” explores studies to the rising epidemic of young adults engaging in the misuse of over-the-counter medications (OTC), and the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. A study focusing on this topic was done in Colorado, Denver, USA. One issue faced is OTC medications share similar consequences of those from illicit drugs, especially when used along with alcohol and other drugs. Between 2004-2007 OTC-related emergency room visits in young adults increased 70% (Benotsch, E., A., Cejka, Jeffers, A., Koester, A., Luckman S., D., & Martin, A., 2014). Another concern was use of these medications may lead to an elevated usage of other
The few studies that have examined the misuse of these medications linked substance abuse to mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. There were two studies done, within in this article, examining this phenomenon.
The purpose of the first study (conducted in Colorado) was to examine the intentional misuse of OTC medications, the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, as well as the motivating factors for OTC use. In study 2 (conducted in Virginia), they replicated the findings of study 1 in a second sample and examined associations between the misuse of OTC medications and psychological variables (Benotsch, E., et al.,
As mentioned before the ratings linked to this misuse was higher levels of sensation seeking, impulsivity, hopelessness, depression and anxiety. In these 2 studies the method used was the same, 500+ students aged 18-25 years of age, the measure was a 6-page, self-determined, anonymous survey; participants were asked their age, gender and race/ethnicity (Benotsch, E., et al., 2014). Questions on the survey included: “in your lifetime have you ever intentionally used an OTC medication (e.g., cough syrup) in a way that was not intended (for ex. Taking an excessive amount?)” followed up by questions asking the participants to identify the medication, and report the number of times they had misused the medication in their lifetime and over the past 3 months, as well as their motivations for the misuse. They were also asked if they had ever used a prescription medication without a doctor’s prescription; if they answered yes, they were further questioned about usage and drug class (anxiolytics, stimulants, and sedatives.) Participants were questioned on the frequency in which they used other substances (alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy etc.) (Benotsch, E., et al., 2014). The most common motivations for usage for students included: being a sleep aid, to get high, pain relief, to try something new, reduction in anxiety, increased energy, to forget their worries, to deal with a