Complete List of OTC (and Prescription) Drugs To Get High
If you’re interested in using any prescription or over-the-counter drug for an “off-label” or non-medical purpose, always do your research before taking it.
Using any drug without careful consideration can cause unpleasant side effects, major health problems, or even death if you avoid studying up on the effects first.
Can You Get High on Ativan? Don’t Try It!
Ativan (generic name: Lorazepam), a Benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and seizures, has been classified as one of the WHO’s Most Essential Medicines, meaning it is a safe, essential medicine when used as prescribed.
If you want to use it recreationally, you’ll most likely feel relaxed, though some users have experienced hallucinations or the feeling of being drunk. Ativan has several unsavory uses; one of them is as a “date rape” drug.
Ativan offers minimal effect, and you can better achieve any recreational goals with other substances.
Verdict: Don’t Try It
Can You Get High on Adderall? Yes.
One of the most popular ADHD medications in the U.S, doctors also prescribe Adderall for depression and narcolepsy. Taken by 5 million patients, it’s among the most abused prescription drugs, and highly available on the black market.
A Schedule IIN Drug, it has a high potential for abuse, according to the DEA. Many students use it as a study aid for increased concentration. It also has a strong euphoric effect on many users.
Use Adderall responsibly, for studying or increased concentration and don’t go overboard with the dosage.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Baclofen? Yes.
The muscle relaxer Baclofen used to treat stiffness and spasms from multiple sclerosis, can also be used off-label for anxiety. Recreational users are few and far between, but they do laud the drug for its mild euphoria and relaxing effects.
One of our contributors took 20 milligrams 3 times a day and experienced a chill-out feeling”, so Baclofen’s a good option if you want to relax.
Baclofen has many minor side effects like weakness and drowsiness. Withdrawal from the drug can be painful, and involve hallucinations and delirium.
To get high on Baclofen, use in small doses and restrict the number of times you use it to stay safe.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Benadryl? Yes.
You’ve heard of Benadryl and may have used it for an allergy. It’s an antihistamine and a brand name for the drug Diphenhydramine.
You can get Benadryl over the counter at any drug store or grocery store.
Recreational users over on Reddit agree taking too much (700-900 milligrams) can give you a bad trip with some intense hallucinations. In lower doses, it can help you relax.
Stick to lower doses if taking Benadryl for recreation, and avoid high doses and the resulting bad trips.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Benzonatate? No.
The cough suppressant Benzonatate, available in yellow and orange capsules, treats coughs from the common cold. Some people believe you can get high from taking a certain amount of Benzonatate. The high may cause drowsiness and hallucinations.
Users on Reddit advise against using Benzonatate for recreational purposes. You won’t feel anything pleasant, and may just get a headache if you take a bigger-than-average dose of this drug. It has some pretty serious side effects, including cardiac arrest and coma.
Skip Benzonatate for recreational purposes. Use it only as a cough suppressant.
Verdict: No
Can You Get High on Citalopram? No.
The antidepressant Citalopram, sold under brand name Celexa, treats depression. Prescribed as a SSRI inhibitor, it creates a slow, calming effect, similar to Xanax.
This slow-release drug takes weeks to work, so it’s not a good choice for recreational use. The few people who’ve used it recreationally have experienced calming effects. The side effects of Citalopram can be severe, including suicidal thoughts and visual hallucinations.
If you do decide to use Citalopram, you’ll feel a mild drowsiness, but remember to take a small dose.
Verdict: No
Can You Get High on Cyclobenzaprine? Yes.
A muscle relaxer used in conjunction with physiotherapy for injuries and the resulting physical pain, Cyclobenzaprine offers tranquilizing effects according to some recreational users. There’s little chance of abuse or addiction, like Benzodiazepine.
Reddit users credit it with making them more relaxed, though not necessarily high in the conventional sense. Some users take cyclobenzaprine along with marijuana or other substances to achieve a more relaxed state.
This drug produces results for some recreational users. If you want to try it, start with a small dose and slowly raise it if it works for you.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Cymbalta? No.
Cymbalta, the brand name for the chemical Duloxetine, is used to treat anxiety, depression and muscle pain. Classified as an SNRI, it works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Reddit users give it thumbs down as a recreational mood-booster, with remarks including “it made me really sick, almost to the point of throwing up.”
It may not make you sick, but it will stunt your appetite, which can result in significant weight loss if you use it long-term. Other side effects include loss of sex drive. Cymbalta does put you in a slightly cheerier mood, but that’s the drug’s only recreational selling point.
Verdict: No
Can You Get High on Dicyclomine? No.
Used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and stomach cramps, Dicyclomine may seem like an unlikely entry as a recreational drug. Sold under brand names including Bentyl, Dibent and Dilomin, at least one Reddit user reports experiencing “trippy” hallucinations while on the drug.
Dicyclomine is unreliable for IBS and causes dry mouth, anxiety, depression and headaches. It can interact with any MAOIs, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines you’re taking. You’ll be better off avoiding Dicyclomine for recreational purposes since it has the potential for some pretty unpleasant side effects and little chance of producing a high for most people.
Verdict: No
Can You Get High on Escitalopram? Maybe.
You probably haven’t heard this unpronounceable name but you know of its brand name, the anti-depressant Lexapro. A SSRI sold in pills from 5 to 20 milligrams; it may affect you differently than other users. On Reddit, user reaction range from feeling “amped up in a good way” to “extreme apathy.”
Similar to Citalopram, this drug can impair your sex drive, and cause bouts of anger. On the plus side, it boosts mood and motivation. Like other SSRIs, Escitalopram’s effects can be unpredictable, so try it in small doses and add more if it works for you.
Verdict: Maybe
Can You Get High on Flexeril? Yes.
Flexeril’s a brand name for the muscle relaxer Cyclobenzaprine, commonly used to treat pain and injuries. Recreational users like it because it blocks pain signals to the brain. Used on its own, Flexeril relaxes your muscles and gives you a pleasant high.
According to one Reddit user, “I’ve had good luck with 20mg and three beers to potentate the effects, add in a little weed, and the euphoria comes on strong..” Serious side effects include mood swings and irregular heartbeats.
When used as a recreational drug, Flexeril may give you a chill feeling. Try a small amount and slowly add more if the initial dose works. Take care when using alcohol, MOAIs, or other drugs while you use Flexeril, or better yet, use it without other compounds.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Hydrocodone? Yes.
An opioid painkiller, you may know Hydrocodone by the brand names Norco, Lortab or Vicodin. It’s prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain but has definite potential for abuse and addiction. Classified as a Schedule II Drug in the U.S., it’s widely available on the black market.
You may experience a pleasant euphoria after taking a 30-35mg dose of the drug or need to have a few alcoholic drinks before feeling any effect. Sold in pill or syrup form, Hydrocodone’s a potent “narcotic analgesic,” with side effects including vomiting, nausea, anxiety and mood swings. It can produce a nice high but use it occasionally to avoid side effects and abuse.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Kava Kava? Yes.
Kava Kava, made from a tropical flora, has been used as an anesthetic and sedative for centuries. The active ingredients in this herb, kavalactones, offer pain-relieving properties. Kava Kava’s also produced as a beverage with effects similar to alcohol.
Touted for its calming properties, one of our contributors reported feeling sedated, but still in control one hour after taking 1250 milligrams (five capsules) of Kava Kava. After the effects wear off, you’ll probably want to take a nap.
There’s little evidence of addiction or overdose with Kava Kava. It may be toxic to the liver when taken in high quantity. As long as you buy Kava Kava from a reliable source and take it in small doses, you should be safe.
See Can You Get High on Kava Kava? for my experience with Kava Kava.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Klonopin? Yes.
A prescription drug originally developed to treat epileptic seizures, Klonopin is now used to relieve anxiety and panic disorders as well. Despite being classified as a Schedule IV drug with a low risk of abuse and addiction, many users have problems with Klonopin due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Reddit users have referred to the Klonopin high as being calm and pleasant, and our contributor experienced a “buzzed peacefulness.” Paranoia, aggression and depression are among the side effects.
Limit dosage and frequency if you decide to use Klonopin for recreational purposes. Monitor its interaction with alcohol, supplements, and other drugs.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Lamotrigine? Don’t Try It!
Lamotrigine, an anti-seizure drug, is also prescribed for bipolar disorder. Its mood-alerting properties make it a recreational drug of choice for some people. The medication comes in regular, extended release, chewable and dissolving tablets.
According to some clinical users, Lamotrigine can balance your moods, but you need to slowly ramp up the amount used, and avoid stopping and starting the drug. Taking to much too quickly can cause SJS, a fatal skin reaction.
Lamotrigine is rarely used as a recreational drug, and its potential mood-altering properties aren’t worth the side effects. Avoid this one.
Verdict: Don’t Try It
Can You Get High on Legion Supplements? Yes.
Legion Pulse, the best known of the Legion Supplements, is a pre-work powder used by bodybuilders and athletes. It supplies energy and increases endurance before a workout. The powder contains betaine, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, ornithine and other natural substances.
The recreational effect of Legion Pulse mimics caffeine for focus and endurance. It gives you a rush similar to Red Bull or other energy drinks. You may get the runs or feel jittery if you mix too much Legion Pulse into your drink, but that’s about it for negative effects
Use in moderation, and you’ll get more energy to focus on sports and other physical tasks.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Lexapro? Maybe.
Lexapro, one of the most-prescribed SSRIs, treats depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Some people claim you can get a substantial high by taking a large dose and boosting serotonin levels.
When used for clinical depression, the results range from “I get up and get going” to “It was like taking LSD minus anything good about the trip.” according to Reddit users.
Taking a larger dose of Lexapro for recreational purposes doesn’t make you high, but it will certainly calm you down. Lexapro can cause sexual dysfunction, and people with diabetes or heart problems should avoid it.
Verdict: Maybe
Can You Get High on Loratadine? Yes.
The generic name for Claritin, Loratadine offers no sedating effects like other allergy medications. Since it balances histamine levels in the body, some people believe it can improve clarity and reduce nervousness.
Reddit users differ on the effects, with a few people experiencing increased calm and at least one person claiming it doesn’t improve cognition. If you take a greater dose of Loratadine (about 40 milligrams), it will clear up your allergies, and you may feel more alert because of it.
Loratadine may give you a general buzz if you take enough. Since it has almost no discernible side effects, you can try it and see what happens.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Lyrica? Yes.
Lyrica is prescribed to treat muscle and nerve pain, but some recreational users swear it’s effective for promoting a sense of well-being and sedation in large doses. Others say it’s similar to a benzodiazepine high.
A quick look at Reddit shows some users experience a pleasant high akin to being drunk, or a euphoria that lasts four to five hours. A high dose, around 450 milligrams, will make you feel sedate, social and less self-conscious. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness.
Lyrica seems to cause a mild euphoria for many people. There are no significant drawbacks to occasional light use but stick to small doses.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Meloxicam? No.
An anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis pain, Meloxicam is a NSAID like ibuprofen and Naproxen. That doesn’t make it a primary candidate for a recreational high.
Reviews for Meloxicam are mixed even for its intended users, with one Reddit user saying it simply made him drowsy while another writing that it “did a good job” on inflammation, but didn’t eliminate it.
There was no mention of Meloxicam for recreational use. One of our contributors tried a large dose of Meloxicam with no high but other unpleasant side effects. You should steer clear of using this drug for recreational purposes.
Verdict: No
Can You Get High on Metaxalone? Don’t Try It!
Metaxalone, a muscle relaxant used to treat pain and spasms, has been available by prescription in the U.S. since 2008. Some people believe it has value as a recreational drug, due to its pain-relieving properties.
The knowledgeable users in Reddit give Metaxalone poor marks as a recreational drug, with slight drowsiness – or a drunk but unpleasant feeling as the only possible “highs.” If you take Metaxalone to get high, you’ll just waste your time and money. It should only be used to treat muscle pain.
Verdict: Don’t Try It
Can You Get High on Methylphenidate? Yes.
You know Methylphenidate by its most famous brand name, Ritalin. All the controversies about this drug are well known, including its off-label use by some people to get high or increase physical and mental energy.
Prescribed to treat ADHD, Methylphenidate may also be used to enhance focus, elevate mood, and stay awake longer. It’s a powerful drug that can be used in small to moderate doses (around 60 milligrams) to increase concentration, energy, and sociability. There’s a major risk of dependence, and you should use it only in occasional, carefully measured doses.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Mirtazapine? Don’t Try It!
The anti-depressant Mirtazapine, prescribed under the brand name Remeron, works well for people suffering from depression, anxiety and panic disorders. If you’re looking to get high using Mirtazapine, you’re looking in the wrong place.
Antidepressants tend to cause off-label users to become sluggish and apathetic. High doses can make you feel delirious and experience hallucinations and distortions.
If you take a small dose Mirtazapine, you may feel a weak, relaxing high. The higher doses may cause trippy hallucinations, but there’s a good chance they’ll be of the nightmare variety. There are better choices out there if you want a recreational experience.
Verdict: Don’t Try It
Can You Get High on Naproxen? No.
You’ve probably used Naproxen before, only you know it as Aleve. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation like ibuprofen. It has no proven effects as a recreational drug.
There have been a few discussions about unusual reactions to Naproxen on Reddit, but most commenters disavow any theory that the drug can cause any euphoric or high feeling.
Use Naproxen (Aleve) when you have a headache or fever, and look elsewhere if you want to get high.
Verdict: No
Can You Get High on Gabapentin / Neurontin? Yes.
Neurotonin is used to treat pain and seizures. The brand name for Gabapentin, the drug’s been studied as a possible treatment for depression and anxiety, though it hasn’t been approved for those purposes in the U.S. yet. Some recreational users have latched onto the possibility of Neurotonin as a mood-altering drug, with varying results.
Some Reddit users praise Neurotonin for its ability to make them feel euphoric and have vivid dreams. Other users warn them about the dangerous cognitive effects of prolonged use or taking high dosages.
Take Neurotonin in small amounts. Don’t be tempted to go overboard, no matter how good it feels.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Paroxetine? Don’t Try It!
Paroxetine is better known as the antidepressant Paxil. This SSRI has proven effective for patients with anxiety and depression, to varying degrees. Some clinical users praise it as life-saving, while others remark that it could be a double-edged sword, making them feel good at first, and then angry and unbalanced a few hours later.
For people without depressing or anxiety, it shows little promise as a recreational drug. After taking 120 milligrams, our contributor ended up with a stomach ache watching a bad ‘60s TV show, with no euphoria to show for it.
You shouldn’t bother taking Paroxetine for recreational purposes. There are much better choices out there.
Verdict: Don’t Try It
Can You Get High on Ritalin? Yes.
Ritalin, like Adderall, is prescribed to treat ADHD in children and teenagers. It gives hyperactive children the ability to focus on their schoolwork and other tasks. Unfortunately, this drug has a high potential for abuse and addiction and is classified as a Schedule IIN Drug by the DEA.
Recreational users liken the Ritalin rush to that of cocaine and praise the drug for prolonging alertness. Mild paranoia and a feeling of things speeding around you are common side effects.
Ritalin is quite useful if you need to pull an all-nighter for work or school but be aware it’s highly addictive. Use infrequently and in conservative does.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Seroquel? Don’t Try It!
Seroquel, an expensive anti-psychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and depression, is a brand name for Quetiapine. Recent off-label use of this drug has caused concern in the medical community because users are taking Seroquel at high dosages.
Some Reddit users refer to the Seroquel high as “floaty” and similar to marijuana high. Others experience vivid nightmares, drowsiness and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop.
The adverse effects of Seroquel outweigh the positive ones for recreational users. You should consider other options and leave Seroquel to clinical patients.
Verdict: Don’t Try It
Can you Get High on Soma? Yes.
Soma, the brand name for the generic drug Carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant classified as a Schedule IV drug. Soma’s one of the most highly abused recreational drugs in the U.S. today. It’s commonly ingested with drugs such as alcohol, heroin, and Vicodin. The potential for Soma abuse has caused several countries to outlaw the drug.
When taken in high doses (about 700 milligrams) by itself, Soma can let you relax and chill out for several hours. A potent drug with a high abuse potential, you should only use Soma occasionally.
Verdict: Yes
Can you Get High on Valium? Yes.
Valium is a Benzodiazepine medication prescribed to treat anxiety, muscles spasms, and seizures, but you know it better as one of the most abused recreational drugs in the world today. There’s been an upswing in sedative abuse, including Valium in recent years.
Many Reddit users find Valium a better recreational drug than the newer Xanax, claiming Valium makes them more relaxed and social. Some users caution against taking high doses of the tranquilizer, and just about everyone warns against mixing Valium and alcohol, which can kill you.
Use Valium with care, and whatever you do, don’t mix it with alcohol.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Vyvanse? Yes.
Vynase, prescribed to treat ADHD and binge-eating, is often compared to Adderall. The drug’s active ingredient, d-amphetamine, can lead users to become dependent on it. A brand name for the rather long-winded Lisdexamfetamine, Vynase offers stimulant properties that make it useful if you need to study or focus for extended periods of time.
Many users cite side effects like trembling, sweating, excessive talking and anxiety. If used to excess, it can cause fatal heart or blood pressure problems.
Use Vynase for occasional studying or tasks that require concentration. Avoid using too often or taking large a dosage.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Wellbutrin? No.
A drug used for depression and smoking cessation, Wellbutrin (generic name: Bupropion) is a “norepinephrine-dopamine-reuptake-inhibitor,” or atypical antidepressant. Clinical users report it works well for its intended uses but causes weird dreams for some people. Some recreational users say it helps them focus and stay awake longer, but the effects aren’t anything special.
Wellbutrin seems to be a drug that works for patients but has little to no recreational effect. If you’re looking for a drug for alertness and focus, try other options.
Verdict: No
Can You Get High on Xanax? Yes.
Xanax (generic name: alprazolam), one of the most-prescribed drugs for anxiety and panic disorders. It has a high incidence of abuse and addiction, and many people use it for non-medical purposes. There’s a big black market for Xanax, and you probably know someone who can get the drug, or already has it recreationally.
According to the drug database Erowid, most users experience coziness or a chilled-out drowsiness, not an intense high. This drowsiness may account for the drug’s popularity.
Learn what Xanax dose is right for you, and avoid taking it to the point of dependence.
Verdict: Yes
Can You Get High on Zoloft? No.
Zoloft has gotten a lot of bad press for its side effects, but this SSRI has value in treating depression and anxiety. Zoloft, known by the generic name Sertraline, gained FDA approval in 1991.
Patients who use Zoloft clinically have received relief from depression and anxiety, but the main side effect, sexual dysfunction, being a major drawback. There’s no information available on the recreational uses for Zoloft, aside from one of our contributors, who experienced a trip to the bathroom and little else after use.
Forget about Zoloft for recreational purposes. Consider other drugs if you want to feel high – or at least more energetic.
Verdict: No
Conclusion
With all the information available on the internet, from drug manufacturers, Reddit users, and other forum members there’s no reason to endanger your health with poor recreational drug choices.
Your best bet is to educate yourself and know what types of risks you’re putting yourself at when attempting to use these drugs recreationally.
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