You may have taken a number of different medicines at different times. You may use one or more prescription medicines. You may take common over-the-counter medicines. Medicines often do great good when used properly, but it is not true that "more is better".

Many medicines are harmful if you take too much. This includes over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen, vitamins, iron supplements, and cold and asthma medications.

Many prescription medicines are harmful if taken in large amounts. These include:
* asthma medicines,
* heart pills,
* tranquilizers,
* anti-depressants,
* diet pills,
* sedatives, and
* pain killers.

Always take medicine according to the directions on the label. Do not double-up and take more than the label directs. If you miss a dose, check with a healthcare provider to see how much to take.

Remove medications if someone in the home is depressed. They may think about hurting themselves by taking an overdose. Keep medications in locked cabinets, far away from children.

You should avoid buying certain medicines, like aspirin, in very large containers. Discard all medicines when they are no longer in use. You should also discard them if they change color, crumble, or if it is past the expiration date. If someone has serious side effects or overdoses on a medication, call 911 for emergency help. You may also get information about medications from your local poison-control center. Keep the phone number posted by the phone.

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