Dextromethophan(DXM), a synthetic drug chemically similiar to morhpine, was approved by the FDA as a cough suppressant in 1954. Drug manufacturers developed and began putting it in cough syrups in the 1970s, as a suppressant that would be less addictive and have fewer side effecs that the narcotic, codeine.

 

  • at recommended doses, it is a VERY EFFECTIVE cough suppressat
  • If taken at higher doses it acts as a disassoiative anesthetic, similar to PCP and ketamine; at these high doses, DXM is also a central nervous system depressant(like alcohol)
  • DXM is often combined with other drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, or alcohol, which INCREASES the dangerous physiological effects
  • School-aged youth and young adults, especially those in the danceclub and "rave" scene are the most likely of abuse cases found
  • "robo-dosing"/"robo-tripping":swallowing large doses of the cough syrup
  • "skittles":cough suppressant pills
  • "syrup heads":a term sometimes used to describe those who use the cough syrup to get high
  • DXM creates a depressant effect
  • DXM creates a mild hallucinogenic effect
  • DXM is often used as an alternative to ecstasy
  • According to experts, cough syrup's inexpensive price and easy avaliability is attracting adolescents

STREET LINGO:

  • Dex
  • DXM
  • Robo
  • Skittles
  • Syrup
  • Triple-C
  • Vitaminn D
  • Tussin

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

DXM is the active cough-suppressant ingredient in more than 125 commercial cough remedies in the US. It is fond in some forulations of cough remedies sold under such brand names as: Robitussin, Delsym, Pertussin, Drixoral, Vicks forumula 44, Triaminic, Coricidin, Sudafed, Contac, and many generic brands. Most of these brands come in multiple formulations, and not each formulation contains DXM. Dextromethorphan-containing remedies often are labeled as "DX" or "Maxium Strength." Each brand contains different quantities of DXM, with capsules, tablets, lozenges, and other "pills" containing about 20-30mg each. Most commerical cough remedies contain multiple active ingredients(to produce the advertised "multi-symptom" relief), and these other ingredients may create their own toxic effects when used in the high doses common among psychoactive users. Posion control experts consider the most dangerous in large amounts to be Coricidin HBP, which contains an additional antihistamine that makes abuse far riskier than with other DXM products.

 

HOW IT'S USED

  • In the past cough syrup was the MOST COMMONLY abused form of the drug
  • Abusers consumed large doses usually at least half an 8oz. bottle-by drinking the liquid very quickly
  • Consumption of large quantities of cough syrup induces vomitiing. thus, to achieve the desired effects, abusers must drink the product quickly enough to allow the body to absorb the DXM before vomiting occurs
  • Abusers TODAY use the Internet to not only buy DXM in pure powder form but to learn how to abuse it as well.
  • Some sites even have oline dosing calculators that coach abusers how much they'll need to take for their weight to get high

EFFECTS OF DXM

  • The effects of DXM abuse vary with the amount taken
  • Distinct "plateaus" ranging from mild stimulant effect or exitement with distorted visual perceptions to a sense of complete dissociation from one's body
  • DXM's psychoactive effects only kick in when massive amounts are consumed, common side effects BLUR TOGETHER WITH SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE
  • the effects of the drug can last from 4 to 6 hours.
  • Risk self-injury or injurying someone else(this is due to the drug's effects on visual perception and cognitive processes)
  • Inability to move arms/legs(high doses)
  • Inability to talk(high doses)
  • Slowed breathing
  • Permanent BRAIN DAMAGE
  • Cerebral Hemorrhages
  • Stroke
  • DEATH(from stopped breathing)
  • Hypothermis(exceptionally high fever) especially at raves or danceclubs
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Numbness of fingers and/or toes
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • DEATH

FEDERAL CLASSIFICATION

  • DXM IS NOT ILLEGAL
  • DXM IS AVALIABLE WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION(because when used properly it has been proven to be safe and effective)
  • DXM IS NOT REGULATED,however, being intoxicated on ANY drug in a PUBLIC PLACE can subject a user to PROSECUTION for DISORDERLY CONDUCT, DISTURBING THE PEACE, and similar violations
  • Those PROVIDING intoxicating doses of THIS drug to MINOR OR ADULTS unaware of the dangers can be SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION UNDER LAWS DESIGNED TO PROTECT JUVENILES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
  • Reports of DXM abuse have resulted in MONITORING by the DEA, and the drug COULD BE ADDED TO THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT if warranted

 

STATISTICS

  • Nationwide, thousands of OVERDOSES have been reported by ER doctors.
  • Authorities say DXM overdoses typically occur in CLUSTERS, as word of the drug spreads in a community's MIDDLE SCHOOLS and HIGH SCHOOLS

 

 

CLICK HERE to go back to the Drug Addiction page!!! 

Make a Free Website with Yola.