Consumers are being warned to visually inspect medications bought over the counter.

For those who purchased bottles of Excedrin, Bufferin, NoDoz and Gas-X, produced by Novartis, they are being told to discard or return the products in a voluntary recall that started Sunday.

“Due to problems that occurred when these products were packaged and labeled at the site, it’s possible that tablets from one product may have been retained in the packaging machinery and then may have carried over into the packaging of another product,” said Dr. Edward Cox, director of the Office of Antimicrobial Products, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation of Research for the FDA.

For those who do everything they can to avoid artificial sweeteners it is disconcerting, to say the least, to learn than healthy habits like drinking lots of water can lead to filling up on artificial sweeteners.

The concern over artificial sweetener in drinking water is a real one.

The damage done to the body can wreak havoc on the digestive system and cause a multitude of chronic illnesses which often go undiagnosed.

Here are a few of the symptoms experienced by those who use Splenda.

Gastrointestinal problems: bloating, gas, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea

Seizures, Blurred vision, Blood sugar increases Headaches and migraines Dizziness

Allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat.

Weight gain

Allergic skin reactions: Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives

Breathing problems: wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing

Heart palpitations or fluttering

Joint pains and achesBloodshot, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes Anxiety or sensation of being “spaced-out” and Depression