What's the military's policy on over-the-counter drugs? Can you use them, are there restrictions, etc.?

Answer 1

Their fine, just don't abuse them. But it is usually more likely that people don't know how to use them right. We really try to keep track of people using diet pills, psuedophed and other cold meds because they increase the liklihood of being a soldier being a heat injury. Normally its better to see your medics because then we can give meds that are better than over the counter, like 800mg motrin. Also people who hide problems from because they don't want the inconvience of having to go to the medics normally mess themselves up much worse than the would have if they had seen the medics.

Answer 2

A lot of those legislation are driven by way of by way of the coverage businesses that not desire to pay. They have handed a regulation in opposition to eating places in NYC that prohibits trans fat within the meals they serve. Helmet legislation and seat belt legislation do curb damage and demise, that is well for us, and in addition well for the coverage businesses. Obesity is a challenge, however will have to we be instructed what to devour? Why do not they cross a regulation banning cigarettes, although the tobacco businesses pay thousands in proceedings, and the coverage businesses must pay for treatment for people who smoke? A regulation banning cigarettes could create a rebel, however a regulation banning fattening meals is fine within the eyes of a few lawmakers. While we're at it, why do not we cross a regulation banning video video games, which appears to be a important contributor of weight problems in kids? We will have to cross a regulation in opposition to idiotic lawmakers, however that's an oxymoron, as they could must cross a regulation banning themselves.

Answer 3

I can only speak for Naval Aviation in the 80-90's... I was enlisted aircrew in helicopters.

If you had the sniffles... go see the doc.
If you had a cold... go see the doc.
If you had the flu cold... go see the doc.
If you had muscle-pain... go see the doc.

For us, the rule of thumb was if it's more than aspirin or tylenol... go see the doc !! First, because many OTC medications would medically-ground you (Nyquil)... AND they can show up on a random "Operation Goldenflow" as narcotics!! If it was in your medical record that you'd gone in for meds, you were covered in the even of an accident or pee-test.

I remember a guy got killed on the flight line in an accident... EVERYONE in our 40 man detachement had to pee as part of the investigation... not worth the RISK of self-medication.

Answer 4

OTC medications are used by just about everybody. The military only gets concerned if any of those OTC meds can affect your performance (such as making you drowsy while operating something expensive or dangerous).

Answer 5

You can use them, but if they have side effects (i.e. drowsiness) and you operate equipment, you may be in serious trouble if you have an accident. It's just like the civilian world in that regard. Oh, and don't use them for any other reason than intended use, and you're fine.