over-the-counter drugs are drugs that can be taken without needing a doctor's prescription.

examples

There are several types of over the counter drugs;
acetaminophen ;
tylenol
ibuprofen ;
advil, motrin
dextromethorphan ;
robitussin
antihistamine ;
loratadine

short term effects

the short term effects of drugs usually include;
acetaminophen is a fever reducer,
ibuprofin is a pain remover
dextromethorphan is a cough suppressor
antihistamine stops allergic reactions

long term effects

the long term effects of drugs usually include;
acetaminophen can cause liver damage
ibuprofin can cause ulcers
dextromethorphan can cause cognitive deterioration
antihistamine can cause sedation (drowsiness)

resources

things that one can do to treat their addiction include;

call an addiction hotline (1-800-662-4357)
talk to a loved one
go to a rehab center
talk to your doctor or another medical professional

further facts

24% of overdoses are completely over-the-counter
dextromethorphan can cause one to get high
4.6 percent of eighth graders overdose on these drugs

sources

my mother , a nurse for seventeen years
drugabuse.gov
chpa.org