MEDICATION INFORMATION FOR THOSE IN RECOVERY
Minor illnesses such as cough, cold, allergy, stomach and respiratory flu, while not dangerous themselves, can present
problems for people in recovery. Numerous over-the-counter (OTC) remedies often duplicate and overlap one another in effect, and
present the consumer with a confusing array of options.
Misinformation regarding OTC drugs can be traced back as the cause of many relapses into active addictive disease,
frequently with disastrous consequences. The chemical ingredients in many OTC remedies have effects very similar to those ofaddictive drugs, and often the brain cannot distinguish one from another. The effect is that of a trigger with the emergence ofpowerful cravings.
The following is a list of OTC medications judged to be safe for people in recovery. Please note that this list is not inclusive
of all safe medications and its listing here does not represent an endorsement of its effectiveness.
Serenity Lane Medical and Treatment Teams
COUGH MEDICATIONS: NASAL SPRAYS: SINUS/COLD/FLU MEDICATIONS: Avoid: Medicated nasal sprays No: NeoSynephrine, Sudafed, or products Avoid: Any medication containing No: Benadryl, products containing No: Codeine, hydrocodone, Benadryl Dextromethorphan (“DM”), antihistamineor PseudoephedrineDIARRHEA/GAS MEDICATIONS: NICOTINE PREPARATIONS: SKIN PREPARATIONS: Never: Smoke while using these products Suggestion: Dietary control, exercise, increased water consumption
LotriminNeosporinTinactin (Tolnaftate)Triple Antibiotic Ointment
EYE CARE: PAIN RELIEF: SORE THROAT: Note: Check ingredients lists if Avoid: Any medication containing Pseudoephedrine or DextromethorphanHEMORRHOIDAL PREPARATIONS: Suggestion: Use pain relief measures such as ice/heat, elevation, visualization, meditation, distraction Avoid: Any medication containing Pseudoephedrine or Dextromethorphan (“DM”), products containing caffeine MOUTHWASH: SUPPLEMENTS: STOMACH ACID PREPARATIONS: Avoid: Herbal “energy” supplements Note: Discuss with physician before takingAvoid: All alcohol-based products STOOL SOFTENERS, FIBER, LAXATIVES: Benefiber
Colace Stool SoftenerDulcolax Stool Softener
Brand names have been listed here; however, most pharmacies carry their own label of
medication. Compare the label on the brand name with the store label to be sure that none
of the “to be avoided” ingredients have been added.
Doxidan Laxative Peri-Colace Laxative Suggestion: Dietary control, exercise, increased water consumption Note: may be habit forming causing dependence for normal functioning
Please feel free to share this list with your Primary Care Physician. Discuss any new medications and over-the-countermedications you are considering with your PCP.
If either you or your PCP has questions concerning the advisability of your taking a medication, please contact our PatientInformation Program (PIP) office where you will be put in touch with one of our Serenity Lane physicians. The telephonenumber is (541) 284-5726.
PENNSYLVANIA’S HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS Introduction More than 70,000 children and adults with mental retardation are living in the community andreceiving some type of support services from the Commonwealth’s community mentalretardation service system. Over 15,000 individuals are living in licensed community residences. This number increases each year as individuals move from stat
From HEALTH TOPICS on the UHS Web site Yeast Infections microscope. If you have recurring infections, some of the discharge may be cultured to see if yeast or another type of Candida albicans, and other forms of yeast, grow in the vagina, rectum, and mouth. In a healthy vagina, the presence of some yeast may not be a problem. When a woman's system is out of TREATMENT balance, yea