|
|
| Teens Using OTC Meds To Get High |
| By TheBostonChannel.com |
| Published: 10/22/2003 |
|
There is a warning for parents about the potential dangers of an over-the-counter cold medicine that some local teenagers are using to get high. NewsCenter 5s Kelley Tuthill reported that police were called to the P.J. Primavera Educational Center in Bellingham after two students took between eight and 11 pills each of Coricidin Cough and Cold medicine. "It gives them a buzz in their terms. (Makes them) excitable, hallucinations similar to LSD," said Bellingham Police Lt. Kevin Ranieri. "They wanted a buzz. I don't think they realized the problems associated with it." The two girls, both 15, were taken to the school's nurse's office and were later taken to a Rhode Island hospital. They are expected to recover. Known by teenagers as Triple C, the cold medicine contains the drug dextromethorphan or DXM. "In overdose quantities, DXM can cause euphoria and dysphoria. By that I mean bad effects -- paranoia, excitability, " said Dr. Mark Lemons of Newton-Wellesley Hospital. "Temperature extremes, high blood pressure, low blood pressure. Antihistamines can cause a change in behavior." Side effects can be exacerbated if teenagers are already taking antidepressants or other medications. Bellingham isn't the only Massachusetts town dealing with cold medicine abuse. Last winter both Framingham and Blackstone police caught students in possession or under the influence of this over-the-counter drug. "I hope parents will keep an eye on them, talk to them about the dangers involved. It is very dangerous and we hope parents check out the symptoms and see what could happen to their kids," said Lemons. Last year, 14 people died nationwide as a result of cold medicine. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think