Scottish Drugs Forum
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There are many medicines that can be bought without prescription which have a potential for problem drug use. These mood-altering preparations have similar effects to drugs such as opiates, stimulants and sedatives. Only those which are most commonly used are mentioned here.
Opiate type
These contain opiate-like substances and, in some instances, 1.4% opium. They are designed to suppress the coughing reflex or reduce pain. Some drug users will buy these medicines to help with withdrawal, while others will use them to supplement the effects of illicit drugs. Some of these preparations are made from a syrupy base, so injection is unlikely. A danger that does remain is the injection of powder or tablet formulations. These are usually a combination of codeine or dihydrocodeine and aspirin or paracetamol, which can result in aspirin or paracetamol poisoning. Injection is likely of 'disersible' codeine products with paracetamol, which can lead to paracetamol poisoning.
Stimulant type
These contain either caffeine, ephedrine or pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, and act in a similar way to amphetamine. They are found in nasal decongestants, cough syrups and cold remedies. They have long been used by drivers to keep them awake when travelling long distances.
Sedative type
Many cough and cold remedies contain antihistamines which can produce a noticeable sedative action, the danger of which can be increased by its combined use with alcohol. Cyclizine (Valoid.) is probably the most misused antihistamine and is often injected in large quantities with opiates in an attempt to reproduce the effects of Diconal. (an opiate which contains cyclizine).
Legal status
Most OTC preparations are controlled under the Medicines Act. There are OTC preparations which are not fully controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act because of low strength, and can be purchased legitimately under supervision of a pharmacist. There have been a number of prosecutions of pharmacists who sold OTC drugs knowing they were likely to be used illicitly.