OTC Meds and Work: Not a Great Combination

You may not realize that common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can cause serious side effects. These side effects can put your health at risk and interfere with your everyday activities.

Some of these side effects can be felt, but others can't. Side effects you can feel are dizziness, drowsiness, double vision, headache, and vertigo. Those you can't feel include confusion, depression, or slow reactions. These usually undermine or alter your perception, attention, and judgment. They can be especially dangerous if your job requires mental alertness and concentration.

Safety and productivity

"Medicines contain chemical agents that affect the living processes," says Roy L. DeHart, M.D., M.P.H., an occupational medicine specialist in Nashville, Tenn. "These effects may be helpful, but they may also have an adverse impact."

That's impact is likely to be big, given that half of American adults are taking at least one medication at any point in time.

The type of work you do and your workplace have an impact on any side effects. "For example, an individual responsible for observing gauges in a control room may feel the drowsy effects of antihistamines more than someone employed in active physical work," Dr. DeHart says.

Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, cold, or exposure to chemicals may change the effects of certain medications. Someone working in a hot and humid environment will perspire a lot. This can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. This imbalance can alter the way a drug works.

Consider your workplace

"Patients and physicians need to be mindful of any workplace factors that could aggravate side effects of medications," Dr. DeHart says.

OTC antihistamines are good examples of how drugs can affect your activities. Many traditional antihistamines bring on side effects you can feel, such as drowsiness. They also bring on effects you can't feel. These include impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and slowed motor coordination and cognitive performance.

"When activities that require mental alertness and concentration, such as work performance and driving, are performed while taking these drugs, the effect is troublesome and potentially hazardous," says Eli O. Meltzer, M.D., a San Diego allergist and immunologist.

Newer antihistamines, such as Claritin and Allegra, are less sedating and don't cause the same side effects.

OTC decongestants, laxatives, and products containing ephedra can also cause side effects that interfere with daily activities.

What you can do

Read and heed the warnings on all drug packaging. Don't assume OTC medications are safe and won't cause dangerous side effects.

Ask your pharmacist if there are any drug interactions of which you should be aware. Antihistamines and cold and allergy medications may interact with other medications you are taking.

Take all medications according to package directions. One in every 10 hospitalizations occurs because of medication mismanagement.

Avoid alcohol when taking medications. Alcohol can worsen the negative effects of many medications and can make you very drowsy when combined with antihistamines.