- A single large dose of prescription or over-the-counter painkillers or depressants can cause breathing difficulty that can lead to death.
- Stimulant abuse can lead to hostility or paranoia, or the potential for heart system failure or fatal seizures.
- Even in small doses, depressants and painkillers have subtle effects on motor skills, judgment, and ability to learn, which can increase the risk of injury.
- The abuse of over-the-counter cough and cold remedies can cause blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, coma, and even death.
- Many teens report mixing prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol. Using these drugs in combination can cause respiratory failure and death.
- Teens who first abuse prescription drugs before age 16 also have a greater risk of drug dependence later in life.
Possible Other Effects
- Sharing prescription drugs is considered a felony and can lead to fines and jail time.
- Interferes with or hinders ability to participate in athletics or extracurricular activities, with levels of consequences depending on your school districts’ athletic/activities policies.
