On Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:34:43 EDT, "Chris" wrote:

At what age can kids be responsible for taking things like tylenol or
allergy medicines on their own as needed? My son is turning 15 and
occassionally gets a headache and suffers from some mild seasonal
allergies. Until now I've kept all the medicines in my room and he has
to ask for pills. I'm thinking he is old enough to have tylenol and
OTC allergy medicines in his own bathroom to take when he wants. Any
experiences to share? I'm not really worried about him ODing on
tylenol, but wonder if there are some issues that maybe make this a bad
idea that I hadn't thought of. Or have I been way overprotective for
years!

I think he's old enough to get his own OTC medications. However, it
is important that you discuss the risks with him. Specifically, many
people think that if 2 Tylenol is good, 4 must work twice as well. But
Tylenol is very hard on the liver. The extra does not make the
headache heal any faster or better, it just messes up your liver.
Teenagers are especially likely to think that taking more than
prescribed won't hurt and may help. So make sure he knows why it is
so important not to use them in any way other than as directed on the
bottle.


--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,
so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay