This turns unauthorized sale or use of said cough medicines into an illegal activity. And it means that law enforcement professionals and educators have to devote time and effort investigating and arresting kids who violate the new FDA rule.
I think it is silly to pursue this approach. In the first place, making something prescription does nothing to limit abuse. Indeed, the sharing of prescribed medications is rampant. Secondly, there are other OTC medications that cause many more problems than cough medicines with DXM. That being the case, why not put every OTC that is abused back into prescription or behind the counter. Let's start with aspirin, Vivarin, Red Bull. Why not just ban everything that could possibly lead to adverse events or dependency.
Our poll shows that the first responders and the adults who interact with kids daily (teachers) have bigger issues. Before deciding to require the policing of another medication because it was in the news, the FDA should consider the perspective of those who already have responsibilities for keeping our kids safe. Instead of regulating in this instance the FDA could be educating about the safe and proper use of all medications.
I think it is silly to pursue this approach. In the first place, making something prescription does nothing to limit abuse. Indeed, the sharing of prescribed medications is rampant. Secondly, there are other OTC medications that cause many more problems than cough medicines with DXM. That being the case, why not put every OTC that is abused back into prescription or behind the counter. Let's start with aspirin, Vivarin, Red Bull. Why not just ban everything that could possibly lead to adverse events or dependency.
Our poll shows that the first responders and the adults who interact with kids daily (teachers) have bigger issues. Before deciding to require the policing of another medication because it was in the news, the FDA should consider the perspective of those who already have responsibilities for keeping our kids safe. Instead of regulating in this instance the FDA could be educating about the safe and proper use of all medications.
