HEALTH WARNING: STUDIES CONFIRM THESE MEDICATIONS CAN HURT YOU
Although we don’t usually think of over-the-counter drugs as being harmful, they can be if used improperly. Many over-the-counter drugs can, taken incorrectly, cause physical and psychological dependency. Here are the most common ones you should use with care:
1) Laxatives— as surprising as it may be, experts estimate that millions of people become “hooked” on laxatives. Laxatives that are the most habit-forming contain phenolphthalein, and work by irritating the lining of the intestines, which in turn irritates the nerves that cause the muscles to contract. With continued use the nerve cells can degenerate permanently, making the constipation worse than it was before you began taking laxatives.
If you use laxatives too often, you’ll soon have to take them in increasingly larger amounts in order for them to be effective. The problem is, the more you take, the worse your constipation becomes.
It usually takes several months to taper off gradually from the overuse of laxatives. In some cases people substitute bulk-type laxative because it works more naturally than the stimulant type. It is also important, both during and after “withdrawal”, to maintain a high-fiber, low-fat diet with plenty of fluids, and to get regular exercise. If you do need a laxative, be sure you read the packaging and labels before you make a decision. Be especially careful with those that have the obvious warning that “frequent or continued use may result in dependency”.
2) Nasal spray— such sprays work by shrinking blood vessels in the nose. If the spray is used too often, the blood vessels become fatigued and it takes larger and more frequent dosages to make the vessels shrink. Continued use usually ends up causing more congestion.
To end such dependency, you can try switching from long-acting 12-hour brands of nasal spray to short-acting kinds, and then finally to a more diluted children’s formula. You can also try a “homemade” solution consisting of baking soda and salt. Dissolve one half teaspoon of salt and one half teaspoon of baking soda in a quart of cool water. Use this solution several times daily, until the inflammation ends. Also, pay attention to the nasal spray packing directions and take seriously any warning such as, “…shouldn’t be used for longer than 3 days”.
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