Hyderabad: From examination prep to street journeys, Hyderabad medical doctors are seeing a troubling pattern that has folks self-medicating with drugs — stimulants, sedatives, antidiarrheals, hormonal tablets, amongst others, to not deal with sickness however to handle comfort or increase efficiency. Specialists say the dangers are rising quick.

A 2023 research, “Prevalence, Sample and Causes for Self-Remedy: A Group-Based mostly Cross-Sectional Examine from Central India,” discovered 60 per cent of respondents had taken medicines with out medical recommendation, with girls twice as probably to take action. A 2022 meta-analysis in Cureus confirmed over 50 p.c of Indians self-medicate commonly.

Gastroenterologist Dr Ayesha Khan recollects a 34-year-old affected person who took an anti-diarrhoea pill earlier than a protracted journey to keep away from rest room stops. “She ended up severely constipated for days,” Dr Khan says. The misuse slowed her intestine dramatically, requiring medical intervention. She provides that stimulant laxatives taken earlier than flights usually end in dehydration and painful episodes throughout journey.

Guide basic doctor Dr Arjun Bhaskar talked a few surge in misuse of ADHD treatment and modafinil amongst college students. He cited a 2024 medRxiv preprint titled “Consciousness and Use of the ‘Cognitive Enhancer’ Prescription Drug Modafinil in Medical College students,” the place 44 per cent of respondents admitted to non-prescription use for consideration, productiveness, or exams.

Dr Bhaskar explains, “Customers might imagine it helps focus, however we’ve seen insomnia, anxiousness, coronary heart palpitations, and even paranoia.” Indrapriyadarshini V., an MBBS aspirant, mentioned her classmates had taken Modafnil and others for enhanced cognitive skills forward of their entrance exams, who’ve been capable of purchase them over-the-counter.

Talking about repeated use of emergency contraceptives, gynaecologist Dr Radhika Muralidhar mentioned, “Ladies are taking these drugs to delay durations earlier than weddings or journeys. It’s authorized however not innocent. Frequent use disturbs menstrual cycles and causes cramps or temper swings.”

Sedatives are additionally being handed round for journey anxiousness or efficiency nerves. Dr Bhaskar warns towards their use with out medical oversight, particularly with alcohol, as they will impair respiration, reminiscence, and coordination.

Docs urged for tighter regulation of OTC medicines, widespread public consciousness campaigns, and guidance-focused pharmacist coaching.