DXM (Dextromethorphan)

From Drug Rehab Wiki

As a generic medication, dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. As a result, it is used to treat a cough, but is not effective in treating a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma or emphysema. This drug is often found in over-the-counter cold medications. On the street, its use is known as Robo-tripping or skittling.

Brand names of medications that offer dextromethorphan include Benylin, Delsym, Hold DM, Percussion CS Children, Percussion ES, Robitussin Cough Calmers, Robitussin Maximum Strength, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant, Scot-Tussin Diabetic, Scot-Tussin DM Cough Chasers, St. Joseph Cough Suppressant, Tussin Pediatric, Vicks 44 Cough Medicine and Vicks Formula 44.

Abuse of Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan has a high potential for abuse simply due to the ease of acquisition and its low cost. Teenagers and young adults present the greatest concern for abuse. In addition, the Internet is increasingly home to extensive “how to” abuse information on a number of different websites. The powered form of dextromethorphan is also sold illegally over the Internet.

Those individuals who are abusing dextromethorphan tend to report a heightened sense of perceptual awareness, altered time perception and visual hallucinations. Those who are abusing this drug tend to display hyper-excitability, lethargy, ataxia, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, and/or nystagmus. Dextromethorphan abuse is most common in liquid cough syrups although abuse of tablet and gel capsules has increased as of late. Effects of Dextromethorphan Dextromethorphan can induce feelings of drowsiness and relaxation, which many report is very similar to the effects marijuana can create. The body will slow and feel more at ease while the brain acts at a reduced capacity. If dextromethorphan is taken more than the prescribed amount, it becomes the equivalent of a hallucinogenic drug such as LSD. Side effects of this drug can occur as allergic reactions: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. More serious side effects include severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness; confusion, hallucinations; or slow, shallow breathing. Withdrawal of Dextromethorphan

Much like that of narcotic drugs or prescription medications, if a person develops a dependence on dextromethorphan, problems arise in cessation. If the individual stops taking the drug abruptly, he or she can experience withdrawal symptoms.

Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the dextromethorphan withdrawal stage:

• Restlessness • Muscle aches • Bone aches • Insomnia • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Cold flashes

Treatment of Dextromethorphan Addiction

Whether or not an individual sets out to abuse dextromethorphan, dependence and an addiction can easily arise if the drug is taken too long or in too high of doses. The withdrawal process has the ability to be life-threatening if not monitored. As a result, it is important that those with an addiction seek the help they need to stop taking the drug and to learn how to function normally without it.

Detoxification is required to cleanse the body of this drug and must be done under the care of a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist. Many quality treatment centers suggest comfortable detox using withdrawal medications specific to dextromethorphan abuse. A quality center will do a full physical on a person to determine the right medications for comfortable detox. This method helps to correct the chemical imbalances and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care.