Over-the-counter (OTC) medications were created to calm coughs, ease cold symptoms, curb allergic reactions, suppress appetites, assist in getting a good night's sleep, and relieve pain. When taken as directed, these medications can be beneficial, but when taken in larger-than-recommended doses or mixed with other medications, illegal drugs, or alcohol, these remedies can have life-threatening effects. Abuse of OTC drugs is on the rise, in part because they are often present in the home, and users mistakenly believe these drugs are safer than street drugs. Over-the-Counter Drugs, Second Edition looks at a variety of common medications that are abused and discusses the risks associated with them. Chapters include: Overview of OTC Drugs, History of OTC Drugs, How Various OTC Drugs Work, Treatment for Abuse, and OTC Drugs and the Law.