DXM is a cough suppressor found in more than 100 over-the-counter cold medications, either alone or in combination with other drugs such as analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen), antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine), decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) and/or expectorants (e.g., guaifenesin). The typical adult dose for cough is 15 or 30 mg taken three to four times daily.

The cough-suppressing effects of DXM persist for 5 to 6 hours after ingestion. When taken as directed, side-effects are rarely observed. Street names include CCC, Dex, DXM, Poor Man’s PCP, Robo, Rojo, Skittles, Triple C and Velvet. DXM can come in the form of: cough syrup, tablets, capsules or powder. DXM is abused in high doses to experience euphoria and visual/auditory hallucinations. Abusers take various amounts depending on their body weight and the effect they are attempting to achieve.

Some abusers ingest 250 to 1,500 milligrams in a single dosage, far more than the recommended therapeutic dosages described above. Illicit use of DXM is referred to on the street as “Robotripping,” “skittling” or “dexing.” The first two terms are derived from the products that are most commonly abused, Robitussin and Coricidin HBP. DXM abuse has traditionally involved drinking large volumes of the OTC liquid cough preparations. More recently however, abuse of tablet and gel capsule preparations has increased.

These newer, high-dose DXM products have particular appeal for abusers. They are much easier to consume and eliminate the need to drink large volumes of unpleasant-tasting syrup. They are easily portable and concealed, allowing an abuser to continue to abuse DXM throughout the day, whether at school or work. DXM powder, sold over the Internet, is also a source of DXM for abuse. The powdered form of DXM poses additional risks to the abuser due to the uncertainty of composition and dose.

DXM is also distributed in illicitly manufactured tablets containing only DXM or mixed with other drugs such as pseudoephedrine and/or methamphetamine. DXM is abused by individuals of all ages, but its abuse by teenagers and young adults is of particular concern. This abuse is fueled by DXM’s OTC availability and extensive “how to” abuse information on various web sites. Some of the many psychoactive effects associated with high-dose DXM include confusion, inappropriate laughter, agitation, paranoia and hallucinations. Other sensory changes include the feeling of floating and changes in hearing and touch .Long-term abuse of DXM is associated with severe psychological dependence.

Abusers of DXM describe the following four dose-dependent plateaus. Plateau dose (mg) and behavioral effects that dose has on the user. The first 100-200mg plateau causes mild stimulation. The second 200-400mg plateau causes euphoria and hallucinations. The third 300-600mg plateau causes distorted visual perceptions and loss of motor coordination. The fourth 500-1500mg plateau causes out-of-body sensations. DXM intoxication affects on the body involves: over-excitability, lethargy, loss of coordination, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension and involuntary spasmodic movement of the eyeballs. The use of high doses of DXM in combination with alcohol or other drugs is particularly dangerous and deaths have been reported.

Approximately 5-10% of Caucasians are poor DXM metabolizers and are at increased risk for overdoses and deaths. DXM taken with antidepressants can be life threatening. OTC products that contain DXM often contain other ingredients such as acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, and guaifenesin that have their own effects, such as: liver damage, rapid heart rate, lack of coordination, vomiting, seizures and coma. To circumvent the many side effects associated with these other ingredients, a simple chemical extraction procedure has been developed and published on the Internet that removes most of these other ingredients in cough syrup.

Depending on the dose, DXM can have effects similar to marijuana or Ecstasy. In high doses its out-of-body effects are similar to those of Ketamine or PCP. DXM overdose can be treated in an emergency room setting and generally does not result in severe medical consequences or death. Most DXM-related deaths are caused by ingesting the drug in combination with other drugs. DXM-related deaths also occur from impairment of the senses, which can lead to accidents. DXM is a legally marketed cough suppressant that is neither a controlled substance nor a regulated chemical under the Controlled Substances Act.

DXM abusers can obtain the drug at almost any pharmacy or supermarket, seeking out the products with the highest concentration of the drug from among all the OTC cough and cold remedies that contain it. DXM products and powder can also be purchased on the Internet.

(SOURCE: DEA www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com)