Author: James Anderson

Tripping on DXM: Effects, side effects, recognizing the signs

It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Do not give dextromethorphan products that are made for adults to children. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

You should not use dextromethorphan for a cough with a fever, rash, or headache that will not go away. If your cough lasts more than 7 days, stop taking dextromethorphan and call your healthcare provider. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. It is unknown whether dextromethorphan is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

What are dextromethorphan’s side effects?

If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. You might not think twice if you find these meds in your teen’s book bag, but you should be aware of their potential for abuse.

What should be considered before taking dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan is available as an over-the-counter medication. The FDA approves dextromethorphan to help relieve coughing due to a short-term cause. Some people misuse dextromethorphan by taking it in amounts higher than the recommended dosage to try to get high or hallucinate. People sometimes also misuse dextromethorphan by combining it with alcohol or other substances. Before taking dextromethorphan, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.

  1. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
  2. In extreme cases or if untreated, overdose can lead to coma or death.
  3. Ask the child’s doctor if you don’t know how much medication to give the child.
  4. Since cough medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Before the FDA outlawed codeine in cough medicines in the 1970s, OTC cough medicines created a cheap and effective high. A drug called dextromethorphan (DXM) replaced codeine in cough medicines. At very high doses, it can mimic the effects of illegal drugs like PCP and ketamine. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines are safe and effective when they’re used as directed. But taking too much of them — on purpose or by accident — can make you feel high. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist.

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dextromethorphan products they stock. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. It is available over-the-counter alone and is also present in many over-the-counter and prescription combination medications. People who misuse DXM take large doses to experience a high. This can be dangerous and lead to serious side effects, such as coma, psychosis, or death.

Adverse effects

If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. More than 125 OTC medicines sold to treat the symptoms of cough and colds have DXM. It’s in common brands such as Coricidin, Dimetapp DM, Nyquil, Robitussin DM, Robitussin CF, and Robitussin Cough and Cold, as well as store brands for cough and cold medicines. A dry cough is a common symptom of respiratory infections, such as the common cold. It typically occurs along with other symptoms, like throat pain or irritation. When you have irritation in your throat or airway, your body naturally gets the urge to cough.

Who should not use dextromethorphan?

Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Here’s a rundown of some common terms for cough medicine abuse. Because of these risks, many states have restrictions on OTC dextromethorphan.

Does dextromethorphan interact with foods or drinks?

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain dextromethorphan, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4-11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.

According to various reports, DXM misuse has also been linked to assault, suicide, and homicide. DXM depresses the central nervous system (CNS), which controls your breathing. This can stop your lungs from exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is medically known as respiratory depression. The effects usually wear off within 6 hours or so, but there are a lot of factors that influence how long you’ll feel the effects. Taking this much DXM causes a trance-like state and sensations similar to out-of-body experiences.

Safety tips

DXM causes different stages of intoxication (often referred to as plateaus) that vary with dosage. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Tell your doctor if your symptoms last or get worse after more than 1 week or if you also have fever, chills, headache, or rash. Deborah Levine, MD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center. What you’ll pay for dextromethorphan may depend on your location, the form you choose, and other factors.