St. John’s Wort is one of them: Beware of these 4 over-the-counter drugs!

In January 2023, the Swissmedic Institute for Therapeutic Products warned of the risk of addiction to cold sprays containing the decongestant xylometazoline. If consumers use them for longer than the recommended 7 to 10 days, it can lead to chronic colds. Those affected have to use the sprays at shorter intervals to breathe freely. Jenkinson says it’s a physical addiction, but it can’t be compared to a drug addiction that requires going to a rehab clinic. However, the substance may have disrupted the blood flow in the nasal mucosa to such an extent that it retracts. “It’s also possible to lose your sense of smell.”

Swissmedic also warns against over-the-counter laxatives that contain the active ingredient bisacodyl. Continuous intake of these tablets upsets the water and electrolyte balance, which can lead to a decrease in intestinal activity, which can lead to the reuse of the same laxatives, warns the agency. Possible health risks are malnutrition, chronic intestinal inflammation and other diseases caused by electrolyte imbalances.

Over-the-counter medicines can also be dangerous when used with other medicines. Jenkinson, which can be used to combat mood swings, St. John’s wort is a good example of this, he says. “It can accelerate or intensify the degradation of other substances.” The plant accelerates the breakdown of oral contraceptives, which among other things reduces their effectiveness. Jenkinson says there can be several interactions, even if you take traditional antidepressants at the same time. Side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, eg St. It can be increased by St. John’s wort. These include, but are not limited to, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.