Medication abuse dangers

BEWARE the dangers of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, warns the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA).

This week marks SANCA week and owing to the proliferation of OTC and prescription medications in the

modern home, this year SANCA seeks to address common misconceptions regarding the safety of

their use.

While medications play a vital role in immediate relief if used correctly, if abused or used in the wrong combinations, they could have extremely dangerous consequences.

Short-term effects could be drowsiness, vision impairment, loss of coordination and concentration, vomiting and even hallucinations with certain medications.

Long-term effects could include kidney and liver damage, seizures, heart rhythm abnormalities, strokes, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic constipation, depression, constant rebound headaches,

neurological problems, psychiatric problems and even death in some cases.

Worse still, chronic use of medications could lead to tolerance, physical dependency and addiction, after which a full detoxification process is required to quit the substance.

The most commonly abused OTC and prescription medications are benzodiazepines (valium), analgesics, codeine products and sleeping tablets.

Common painkillers, cold and cough medications contain codeine, which is from the opioid family such

as heroin and morphine and known for their widespread abuse.

SANCA Zululand also teamed up with Alpha Panelbeaters’ Andries van Loggerenberg to place the wreckage of a car on the corner of Frank Bull and Main Roads in Empangeni as visual reminder to motorists of the risks of driving under the influence.