AntihistaminesAddiction has been linked to diphenhydramine (DPH), an antihistamine present in allergy treatments like Benadryl and sleep aids like Advil PM and Aleve PM.
This is because OTC medicines can promote "elevated mood, enhanced activity levels, and mild euphoria," according to a 2017 study published in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice.
Decongestants
Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a decongestant used to treat infection-related stuffy noses, sinus pain,
and nasal pressure. It's sold under the brand names Robitussin, Sudafed, DayQuil, Mucinex, and others as cough syrups.
Cough medicationsDextromethorphan (DXM) is a frequent active ingredient in cough syrups like Robitussin and other over-the-counter drugs.