Delsym
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Delsym is a brand name cough syrup that contains the generic medication dextromethorphan, which acts as a cough suppressant by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. Delsym is used to treat a cough, but is not effective when used to treat smoking, asthma or emphysema-related cough. Delsym is sold as an over-the-counter medication and is also used on the street. When found recreationally, its use is often referred to as Robo-tripping or skittling.
Other brand names of medications that offer dextromethorphan aside from Delsym include Benylin, 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.
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Abuse of Delsym
Like all cough medications that can be purchased over the counter, Delsym has a high potential for abuse simply because it is easy and inexpensive to obtain and it tends to be more accepted among peers. The greatest concern for abuse is generally among teenagers and young adults. There is also an increasing amount of information available online regarding “hot to” abuse Delsym and other dextromethorphan medications.
When it is used recreationally, Delsym is known to create a heightened sense of perceptual awareness, altered time perception and visual hallucinations. Individuals abusing the medication tend to display hyper-excitability, lethargy, ataxia, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, and/or nystagmus. Delsym is available as a syrup and most often abused in this form. However, dextromethorphan abuse in the form of tablet and gel capsules has increased as of late.
Effects of Delsym
Whether it is taken as directed or for recreational purposes, Delsym can induce feelings of drowsiness and relaxation. Many have related feelings as being similar to those induced by the use of marijuana. When taking Delsym, the body will slow and feel more at easy while the brain acts at a reduced capacity. If Delsym is taken far beyond the suggested or prescribed amount, it becomes the equivalent of a hallucinogenic drug such as LSD.
Delsym can create certain side effects including allergic reactions such as 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 Delsym
Delsym differs very little from narcotics or prescription drugs when an individual stops taking the medication after long periods of time or very large doses. If a person has developed a dependence on Delsym, problems can arise in abrupt 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 Delsym withdrawal stage:
· Restlessness
· Muscle aches
· Bone aches
· Insomnia
· Diarrhea
· Vomiting
· Cold flashes
Treatment of Delsym Addiction
Delsym use over long periods of time or in high doses can create dependence or addiction in an individual. The withdrawal process has been known to be life-threatening if not monitored by a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist. 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.
An individual with an addiction to Delsym must cleanse the body of this medication and learn how to function without it. Many quality treatment centers suggest a comfortable detox method using withdrawal medications specific to Delsym abuse. A quality center will do a full physical on a person to determine the right medications for comfortable detox to be sure to correct the chemical imbalances in the body.
