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Adolescent abuse of dextromethorphan
1Department of Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Falls Church, Virginia 22180, USA.
Clinical Pediatrics
|September 10, 2005
Summary
Adolescents are misusing dextromethorphan (DXM) in large doses, leading to dangerous effects similar to PCP. Easy online access to DXM powder and extraction methods facilitates this dangerous trend.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DXM) is a widely used antitussive in over-the-counter cough and cold remedies.
- DXM is often combined with other ingredients, increasing toxicity risks with overdose.
- Adolescents are increasingly engaging in the acute misuse of DXM in megadoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing trend of adolescent dextromethorphan megadose intoxication.
- To inform about the accessibility of DXM for misuse and methods of preparation.
- To describe the acute psychological and physiological effects of DXM megadoses.
Main Methods:
- Review of the prevalence and accessibility of dextromethorphan for non-medical use.
- Description of DXM extraction methods available online.
- Analysis of the toxicological and psychological effects of DXM megadoses.
Main Results:
- DXM is easily obtained as powder online, with accessible home extraction guides.
- Adolescents use DXM megadoses (5-10x recommended dose) for intoxication.
- DXM megadose effects mimic phencyclidine (PCP) and can cause false-positive PCP urine screenings.
Conclusions:
- The accessibility and ease of preparation contribute to adolescent DXM misuse.
- Acute DXM megadoses pose significant health risks, including PCP-like effects.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of DXM misuse and its potential for misdiagnosis.