DXM Addiction
DXM is often abused in high doses to get a feeling of euphoria including visual and auditory hallucinations. Some users also claim the DXM gives them a sense of awareness and an altered perception of time. Many also believe that the OTC availability adds to its abuse. This makes it especially common among teens. A recent survey reported that 2.9% of 8th graders, 4.3% of 10th graders, and 5.0% of 12th graders used DXM cough and cold medicines for non-medical purposes.
Of special concern is that DXM can also be sold online as a powder that has an unknown composition and dose. That means that people who use this form aren’t aware of what substances are in it or how much they’re using. Some DXM users even mix it with illicit drugs including ecstasy and methamphetamine.
DXM Addiction Symptoms
According to users of DXM, there are 4 levels of use:
- The first level usually happens with a dose of 100-200 mg and causes mild stimulation.
- The second level occurs at a dose of 200-400 mg and produces euphoria and hallucinations.
- Level three occurs at a dose of 300-600 mg. This is when distorted vision and loss of motor coordination happen.
- The fourth and final level is reported to happen at 500-1500 mg when dissociative sedation takes place–a feeling of floating or being disconnected from the body.
These dosages can vary depending on each individual’s body size, length of use, and the amount typically used. The typical adult dose for cough relief is 15 to 30 mg taken three to four times daily.
Street Names
Dextromethorphan is also abused and sold on the street as:
- Robo-tripping
- Poor Man’s PCP
- Triple Cs
- Skittles
- Dex
- Rojo
- Orange crush
- Red Devils
Can You Overdose on Cough Drops?
An overdose of Dextromorphan can happen if you take too much of the medication or take a large amount for a long time. This can be a serious overdose so contact medical help right away. Symptoms may vary depending on the person, so individuals who have taken the drug for a longer time at higher doses may not have as critical symptoms (because they’ve built up a high tolerance), while an overdose for a one-time user may be severe. It is important to closely watch people who may have a dependence or tolerance to dextromethorphan because overdoses can be serious.
Symptoms include:
- Slow and difficult breathing
- Shallow breathing
- No breathing (especially in children)
- Lightheadedness
- Bluish tint to lips and fingernails
- Rashes
- Blurry vision
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Unsteadiness walking
- Low or high blood pressure
- Muscle twitching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid heartbeat
- High body temperature
- Stomach and intestinal spasms
- Coma
These symptoms may be more severe or happen more frequently for people who also take other medications that affect serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout your body. It plays an essential role in body functions such as:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Digestion
- Nausea
- Wound healing
- Bone health
- Blood clotting
- Sexual desire
Serotonin levels that are too high or too low can cause physical and psychological health problems.
Before Calling 911
Have this information ready when you call:
- Age, weight, and condition of the person
- Name of the product (including ingredients and strength if you know)
- The time it was taken
- Amount taken
- Whether the medicine was prescribed for the person
Poison Help Hotline
Your local poison control center can be contacted directly by calling the national toll-free hotline at !-800-222-1222. This hotline lets you speak to experts in poisoning who will provide further instructions. This number can be called from anywhere in the U.S.
Treatment for Cough Drop Overdose
In the emergency room, a healthcare professional will monitor the person’s vital signs–breathing rate, pulse, and blood pressure. Depending on the symptoms and the medication taken they may also receive:
- Activated charcoal absorbs the substance in their digestive tract
- Ventilator for breathing support
- Intravenous fluids
- Laxatives
- Drugs to promote vomiting
- Medications to reverse the effects of the drug
- Gastric lavage–emptying the stomach through a tube inserted through the mouth and into the stomach
Outlook After Overdose
Only one person has ever been reported dying of menthol poisoning. The man overdosed from inhaling menthol while cleaning a peppermint factory. There are no known cases of someone dying from overdosing on menthol or DXM cough drops.
Preventing an Overdose
You should read the label and try not to take more than the recommended dose. If you’re worried about overdosing, look for medications that don’t contain menthol or DXM. If you’ve been taking them for a sore throat or cough and you don’t feel better in 7 days, or if you get worse, see a medical professional. Be sure to keep cough drops out of the reach of children.
Discovery Institute Can Help You Recover
If you have realized that you’re struggling with an addiction to any substance, Discovery Institute is prepared to help get you back on the path of recovery and wellness. Located in Marlboro, New Jersey, we have been voted America’s Best Addiction Treatment Center in 2022.
Discovery Institute can provide residential and outpatient treatment with several holistic treatment approaches such as nutrition counseling, yoga, and meditation. To personalize your program, we offer dedicated programs for adults, young adults, and seniors. Whether you’ve been struggling for a long time or not, we can create what you need to recover. Contact us today.
