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DXM
is a cough-suppressing ingredient in a variety
of over-the-counter cold and cough medications.
Dextromethorphan, a semisynthetic narcotic, is
an ingredient found in any cold medicine with
"DM" or "Tuss" in the title
or name. There are approximately 70 different
products on the market that contain DXM.
DXM acts centrally to elevate the threshold for
coughing. At the doses recommended for treating
coughs (1/6 to 1/3 ounce of medication, containing
15 mg to 30 mg dextromethorphan), the drug is
safe and effective. At much higher doses (4 or
more ounces), dextromethorphan produces disassociative
effects similar to those of PCP and ketamine.
STREET TERMS:
Orange Crush, Triple C's, C-C-C, Red Devils, Skittles,
DXM, Dex, Vitamin D, Robo, Robo-trippin', Robo-dosing.
DXM EFFECTS:
Euphoria, enhanced awareness, impaired judgment,
loss of coordination, dizziness, nausea, seizures,
panic attacks, psychosis, brain damage, and addiction.
Coma and death may result from taking cold medicines
with DXM. Tolerance and physical dependence may
develop with prolonged use. Withdrawal symptoms
include restlessness, muscle or bone aches, insomnia,
diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes with goose
bumps (“cold turkey”).
Recent reports indicate that a powdered form
of DXM is available on the Internet. Internet
sites also inform young users to drink cough syrup
expeditiously in order to absorb enough DXM from
the drink prior to the impending incidence of
vomiting which will occur as a result of the ingestion
of the large volume of syrup required for intoxication.
Source: DEA Diversion
Control Program, August 2001
Teens have been reported to drink three or four
bottles of cough syrup in one day and take up
to 20-30 tablets of Coricidin at once. There have
been reported cases of overdoses that have resulted
in coma and death.
REPORT: (Posted 12.20.06)
Emergency Department Visits Involving Dextromethorphan >>
(The DAWN Report, Issue 32, 2006)
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