You can get them almost anytime, anywhere, but over-the-counter medications do
come with some risks. A new warning from the Food and Drug Administration reminds everyone that some over-the-counter drugs can make you drowsy and affect your ability to drive.
"Especially if you're on medication, prescribed medication, it is critically important that you discuss with your healthcare provider, whether it is safe from a drug-to-drug interaction, but also is it a medication that you take over the counter that could lead to some adverse effect," said Dr. Daniel Neides, who specializes in integrative medicine at Cleveland Clinic.
Recommended Videos
FDA researchers are providing a list of the most common over-the-counter medications that can cause drowsiness. They include:
- Antihistamines that are used to treat things like runny nose, sneezing, and an itchy throat or itchy eyes
- Medications that treat or control the symptoms of diarrhea
- Nausea medications
The FDA recommends finding an over-the-counter drug that treats your condition, but has active ingredients that don't cause drowsiness. Neides says a good place to start with any medication is the drug facts label on the box or the bottle.
"Make sure you're looking at the label. If it does say that it can cause sedation, this is something that you'd either want to avoid or use cautiously, if you're going to be driving or work with heavy machinery," he said.
Read more on the FDA's Consumer Alert: Caution: Some Over-the-Counter Medicines May Affect Your Driving.