Author: James Anderson

What Are Triple Cs? How These Over-The-Counter Drugs Can Cause Dangerous Side Effects

Awareness is critical, and as more shop owners learn of the trend, they have begun to move these potentially habit-forming products behind their counters. Additionally, many stores refuse to sell in large quantities to teenagers. If your teen displays any of the above symptoms of a DXM overdose, contact emergency medical services immediately. When someone becomes addicted to Triple C, all aspects of their life are often impacted. For example, when abused as a teenager or young adult, users may stop going to school or isolate themselves from their peers who don’t know about or approve of their Triple C use.

  1. Since this over-the-counter medication is so accessible at drug stores, overcoming addiction can be challenging.
  2. Although it takes a high dose to get high in the first place, triple C overdose is possible with repeated use as tolerance levels are gained.
  3. To prevent your child from abusing triple C, it is important to understand the dangers of DXM medicines.

Insurance

However, when taking large doses, users often experience a high characterized by disassociation and a floating sensation. The active ingredients in Coricidin HBP typically have a relatively short half-life and should be eliminated from your system within a few days. However, individual factors, such as metabolism and liver function, can influence how long it stays in your system.

Medical Reviewer

It’s important to note that these plateaus and dosages can vary based on a person’s body weight and physiology. Never take more DXM than you are directed to by the label on the bottle or your healthcare provider. Due to the bright red appearance of these pills, they are sometimes called “Skittles.” People who abuse Triple Cs may swallow high doses of the pills. Others may obtain DXM in powder form illicitly, and the powder may be ingested, snorted, or injected intravenously.

The average dose for an adult is 15 to 30 milligrams (mg), taken three to four times a day. It is not considered a controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act. However, in Russia, DXM is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance and placed in the same category as benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Klonopin. Repeatedly taking high doses of dextromethorphan can cause toxic psychosis, a mental condition in which a person loses contact with reality. At Northridge Addiction Treatment Center, our compassionate team of nurses and therapists are here to help. There are many pathways to freedom from addiction, and the first step begins with reaching out for support.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common treatment option that aims to change thoughts and behaviors toward drugs such as triple C. Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold and its generic forms are usually safe and effective when used as directed. But in high doses, its active ingredient, dextromethorphan (DXM), can be dangerous and cause dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

Paying for Rehab in Memphis TN with Health Insurance

This mixture can lead to heightened impairment, increased risk of respiratory distress, heightened drowsiness, and can even induce a toxic state in the body. Both substances depress the central nervous system and, when taken together, can amplify each other’s effects unpredictably. Overcoming addiction to the Triple C’s requires a structured approach, often involving multiple levels of care.

What Is Dextromethorphan (DXM)?

Signs of triple C abuse include empty cough medicine packaging in the trash, missing products from the medicine cabinet and declining grades. Teens abusing Coricidin HBP may also become hostile and uncooperative with parents or teachers. People with histories of substance use disorders may be at an increased risk of abusing over-the-counter cold medication. However, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), when using these medicines for their drug-like effects, they are used in amounts ranging from 100 mg to 1500 mg. This equates to consuming an entire box of cold medicine (24 pills) to chase a temporary high with potentially lifelong health effects. Unlike other abused drugs, Triple C users need to take several tablets at the same time to get high.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Triple C’s

PAX Memphis can connect you with a highly-rated addiction treatment center. If your teen abuses Triple C’s, they have to consume high doses to experience mood-and-mind-altering effects, placing them at significant risk of experiencing an overdose. When seeking addiction or mental health treatment options, choose the assistance of a treatment facility that offers comprehensive, customized support. When combined with other substances or alcohol, the risk of dangerous complications increases further. DXM can suppress the central nervous system in high doses, leading to respiratory depression.

However, a teen using dextromethorphan recreationally may exhibit a number of physical and behavioral changes. All of our facilities across the U.S. offer a full continuum of care, custom treatment plans, and comprehensive discharge plans to aid in the success of your recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with triple C addiction, our specialists are ready to help you find your path to recovery. Because triple C/dextromethorphan does not display on drug tests, it is critical to be open and honest about frequency and quantity of use. Excessive boxes of cold medicine in the garbage are a typical sign that many parents report, behavioral and attitude changes, or a dramatic slip in their young student’s grades. Although it takes a high dose to get high in the first place, triple C overdose is possible with repeated use as tolerance levels are gained.