Schools in Fife have warned about the dangers of prescription drugs circulating among teenagers in the area.
Youngsters are thought to be taking tablets which, although not illegal, can have serious side effects in some people.
The three secondary schools in Glenrothes – Glenrothes, Auchmuty and Glenwood high schools – sent a text message to parents on Monday warning of the risks.
The drugs involved include citalopram, an anti-depressant, the anti-histamine fexofenadine and beta blockers known as bedranol.
Police are said to be investigating.
The message from the headteachers said: “While there does not appear to be any issues with the composition of these medications, if consumed they can cause serious side effects and may have life-changing consequences.”
It added: “Non-prescribed medicines are never safe.”
Parents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention for their child if they suspect they have taken any of the medicines concerned.
Dr Frances Elliot, medical director with NHS Fife, warned taking medication not meant for you could be dangerous.
“It’s important to only take medication that has been prescribed for you,” she said.
“Any medication that is prescribed by a clinician is done so knowing the patient’s medical background, ensuring that both the prescribed drug and dosage is suitable for that particular patient.
“Taking prescribed medication which is not your own can have serious consequences.”
Citalopram is not recommended to anyone under 18 without medical advice and an advice leaflet included with the tablets warns some young people have suicidal thoughts when first taking anti-depressants.
Other side effects can include impulsive feelings, aggression, panic attacks and depression.
Fexofenadine can result in breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips tongue or throat and diarrhoea.
Bedranol, meanwhile, should not be taken by children and can cause a slow pulse, psychoses and nightmares.
Anyone concerned that prescribed medication has been taken by someone other than the patient it was prescribed to should seek immediate medical attention through NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.
