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The most commonly abused OTC drugs include those that contain the ingredient DXM (dextromethorphan), which is used to treat cough, cold, and flu symptoms.

Other OTC medications that are often abused include those that are intended to help with weight loss—like laxatives, diet pills,

and herbal treatments— as well as sleeping pills

and Dramamine (a drug that’s used to treat motion sickness). All these medica- tions can have serious and even deadly side effects, especially if they’re taken over a long time.

Another OTC drug that can be abused is pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant. It’s used to treat head colds and the stuffiness that comes from allergies—but pseudoephedrine is also a key ingredient used in making the illegal drug methamphetamine.

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