Fear, Anxiety And Compensatory Overdosing: Understanding Emotional Triggers Of Over-The-Counter Medication Misuse

Sarah Fathima Khateeb, Fathima Risla Mohamed Riyas, Madiha Thasneem Nazurudeen, Rania Thowfeeq Shaikh, Aayisha Shimasa Mohamed Niyas, Muntaha Nadeem

Abstract


Over-the-counter medications are often widely used as a form of self-management for various commonly occurring symptoms due to their perceived safety, convenience, and affordability. However, their unguarded availability has raised concerns regarding misuse among the adolescent and young adult population. This misuse is linked not only to pharmacological factors but also to emotional distress, which may compel individuals to engage in misuse and contribute to patterns of compensatory overdosing.

Keywords


Over-the-counter medications; OTC misuse; self-medication; anxiety; fear; emotional distress; compensatory overdosing; adolescents; young adults; codeine; dextromethorphan; antihistamines; dependence; public health.

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v58.2.8316

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