Serenitylane.org

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 Pseudoephedrine DIARRHEA/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 Dextromethorphan HEMORRHOIDAL
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 taking Avoid: 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.

Source: http://www.serenitylane.org/articles/Medication_info06.pdf