As part of the 2004 Doctors Day observance,
ASA distributed a video news release (VNR) on over-the-counter
drug abuse.
The video was distributed to more than 800
individual television stations across the country and
features ASA President Roger W. Litwiller, M.D., and Gerald
A. Maccioli, M.D., Rex Health Care, Raleigh, NC.
There is a trend among teens and young adults
of abusing over-the-counter cough and cold medications
containing dextromethorphan, or DXM. This drug, when taken
in excessive amounts, can produce a high. It can also
have dangerous effects including seizures and even death.
Anesthesiologists, particularly those in
critical care medicine, have been called upon to care
for patients who have overdosed on over-the-counter medications
and ended up in the intensive care unit.
This is the sixth VNR produced by ASA. Other
topics include herbal medications, office-based surgery,
pain medicine, pediatric anesthesia, and obstructive sleep
apnea.
Real Media File (DXM.rm)