Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a standard component of many over-the-counter cough, cold and flu medications today. It is an effective cough suppressant when it is taken as directed on the product package. However, it’s availability and accessibility also make it a substance that can be abused, often by individuals under the age of 21. The effects of excessive amounts of DXM, when taken for nonmedical reasons, can mimic that of alcohol or some street drugs. Unfortunately, like alcohol and street drugs, DXM can also cause significant damage to the body and may be addictive for some users.
In addition to its addictive tendencies, misuse of DXM is dangerous due to its combination with other drugs in many over-the-counter medications. For example, the substance is often combined with acetaminophen, which can lead to liver damage in high doses. Pseudoephedrine is another ingredient commonly found in cold medications, which can increase heart rate to dangerous levels when taken in high amounts. Some formulations also contain alcohol, or users may combine DXM with alcohol – a dangerous practice used to intensify its effects.
DXM abuse is most frequent among teenagers and young adults, in part due to the affordability and accessibility of the medications containing the substance. The National Institutes of Health found that approximately 13.4 out of every million people in the U.S. abuse DXM annually, but when narrowing the base to teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, that number increased to around 113 cases per every million people. As many as five percent of high school seniors may use DXM for nonmedical reasons, according to a separate survey by Monitoring the Future.
In the short term, the effects of DXM can mimic those of marijuana and might include:
At higher doses, the following symptoms may develop:
Effects of the substance can last a few hours, but users often prolong the result by taking multiple doses of the drug over time. This practice can intensify the symptoms but also increases the risk of death from overdose.
Although DXM is not considered physically addictive, stopping the use of the substance can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that may prompt the individual to go back to using the drug to avoid the withdrawal process. Those symptoms might include:
Because these symptoms can increase the risk of relapse, detoxification from DXM is often best managed under medical supervision. Once the substance is eliminated from the body, addiction treatment can begin.
DXM may seem like a relatively harmless substance since it is found in grocery and drug stores across the country. However, when this drug is used for nonmedical purposes, it can become just as dangerous as any illicit substance. If you or a family member is struggling with DXM addiction, help is available. Contact Serenity Oaks Wellness Center at 844-720-6847 to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you overcome your DXM addiction and embrace a life of long-term sobriety.
