| Sent on January 11, 2008 | SAMHSA Health Information Network | eNetwork Archives |
New NSDUH Report: Misuse of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medications among Persons Aged 12 to 25
Date: January 10, 2008
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office, 240-276-2130
About 3.1 million people in the United States aged 12 to 25 (5.3 percent of this age group) have used over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough and cold medicines to get high at least once in their lifetime, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Newly analyzed data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show the number is comparable to those who say they have used LSD (3.1 million) and is significantly greater than the number who reported having tried methamphetamines (2.4 million).
Overdosing on many cough and cold medications may result in serious life-threatening adverse reactions. Adverse reactions include blurred vision, loss of physical coordination, intense abdominal pain, vomiting, uncontrolled violent muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, delirium, and death.
Download NSDUH Report:
Misuse of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medications among Persons Aged 12 to 25
(250 KB)
