Dextromethorphan Addiction

Dextromethorphan addiction is far more widely spread than one might expect because, as dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant, used in a range of over the counter medicines. Generally these medications can be purchased in quite large amounts, are not expensive and almost every household in America, Europe or the UK is likely to have a bottle or two in the medicine cabinet at home. Sold in virtually all pharmacies and supermarkets, stored at home and used as needed – medicines containing DXM are ubiquitous. Very few consumers are aware that dextromethorphan is addictive, or even that it can be extracted from anything in their medicine cabinet and used inappropriately.

How Does Dextromethorphan Addiction Start?

When taken in therapeutic doses, as advised on the instructions always found on the bottle or dispenser as well as detailed information provided in the accompanying leaflet of any packaging, dextromethorphan suppresses the cough center of the brain and provides relief from painful chesty coughs as well as ticklish irritations. When taken in large doses DXM can give the recipient a rush of euphoria, and for some, the temptation to repeat the experience is strong.

Medications containing DXM are mostly abused by children, who do not realize how severe the consequences of indulging and overusing or abusing can be. They just like the "high" caused by an overdose of the substance, and think it must be all right to take DXM-containing medications in large quantities, because they are sold everywhere, with no need for a prescription.

The Effects of Dextromethorphan Intake

Dextromethorphan has largely replaced codeine in over the counter medications because risks associated with it are somewhat less. Codeine is highly addictive and if a user overdoses the consequences can be fatal. Dextromethorphan was developed specifically as a codeine replacement. It is a synthetic analogue of morphine, but has no opiate properties.

DXM intoxication has 4 stages, depending on the amount of the substance taken. The first stage of intoxication brings slight agitation and elation. The intoxicated person may not even realize that this condition is caused by the cough medication. The second stage feels more like alcohol intoxication, when an individual’s head spins, and they feel merry, gregarious and high. Next comes a slight dissociation, and often the user will be confused as well as out of control of motor functions – similar again to alcohol intake. Finally, dextromethorphan intoxication causes total disassociation with immediate physical reality.

Hallucinations, confusion, loss of motor and speech functions are all associated with a DXM high in full swing. An abuser is at risk of injury from falls, traffic accidents and other injuries because they are not connected to what is happening, they feel it is happening elsewhere and they are merely spectators.

If an overdose of dextromethorphan is taken by accident it may cause stomach ache, nausea, fever and profuse sweating. An allergic reaction sometimes presents as hives. Vomiting is part of the body’s natural defenses, and it is likely that an individual who has taken an overdose of dextromethorphan will be violently sick. Continued and deliberate overdose by abusers causes an allergic reaction, fever, elevated blood pressure, panic attacks which can escalate to psychosis, depression and respiratory distress.

Regular abuse via high doses of dextromethorphan can have serious long-term consequences. The kidneys and liver can be adversely affected as the body continually cleanses to get rid of the toxin, weight loss or weight gain are possible depending on the level of damage sustained in the renal system, paranoia, mania alternating with depression, memory loss, permanent brain damage and strokes are all noted side-effects of dextromethorphan addiction.

Dextromethorphan Addiction Consequences

Withdrawal side-effects and symptoms can be quite severe, and not dissimilar to those of heroin withdrawal. The list is long, but may include spasms, nightmares, chills and fever, nausea and anxiety.

DXM addicts rarely choose to enter rehab, but they can be constant guests at ER departments and clinics because of the effects caused by their dextromethorphan addiction. Some medications that contain DXM also have other analgesics in the formula. So it is possible that an addict might ingest an overdose of paracetamol, for example, and this can be fatal.

Overcoming Dextromethorphan Addiction

Dextromethorphan addiction needs to be both avoided and treated. It is very important to monitor and control the dosage of DXM-containing medications taken. If the cough syrups and pills are taken in moderate doses, chances are that the patients will not even have the feeling of euphoria and will not connect their elevated mood with the medication they took.

It is not easy to control whether your family member buys cough syrups to get high from dextromethorphan. So, if you suspect your child (or anyone else you care for) has a problem, or may be developing a liking for this drug the best thing to do will be to explain the way dextromethorphan affects the human body and mind. It works in a similar way to both ketamine and PCP, acting on the brain sensors and receptors to block the messages sent telling the brain that the body needs to cough. Ketamine and PCP which are commonly abused classified drugs that cause dissociation, impair brain activity and can lead to schizophrenia.

A session with your doctor may help, and it is possible that a stay at a rehab center will assist the addict through the worst withdrawal symptoms as well as addressing underlying issues hidden anxieties that undoubtedly contribute to the overall picture.

Psychotherapy may be useful to help the addict through the underlying issues that have caused the attempts to escape reality. Drug counseling and behavioral therapies may help and a full understanding of what DXM is, what dextromethorphan addiction is and how dangerous it can be is a must. If you are aware that a family member is relying on over the counter medications to treat non-existent coughs then it is time to do something positive. Call the physician and make an appointment for discussion about the situation, the circumstances and the best way forward.