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Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Dextromethorphan (DXM).

Elliot W McClure1, R Nathan Daniels2

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee 37204, United States.

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Dextromethorphan (DXM), a non-opioid cough suppressant, also exhibits psychedelic effects at high doses due to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonism. This review explores its multifaceted profile in chemical neuroscience.

Keywords:
DextromethorphanNMDA receptor antagonistcoughdextrorphandissociative hallucinogenpseudobulbar affect

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Area of Science:

  • Chemical Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a widely used, non-opioid cough suppressant introduced in 1958.
  • It is also indicated for various psychiatric disorders.
  • High doses of DXM produce intoxicating and psychedelic effects, similar to dissociative anesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of Dextromethorphan (DXM).
  • To discuss its synthesis, pharmacology, metabolism, and therapeutic importance.
  • To highlight its role in chemical neuroscience.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Dextromethorphan (DXM).
  • Analysis of pharmacological mechanisms, including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antagonism.
  • Examination of historical data, therapeutic uses, and recreational abuse potential.

Main Results:

  • DXM's efficacy in cough suppression is linked to NMDAr antagonism.
  • Supratherapeutic doses of DXM exhibit properties of dissociative hallucinogens.
  • DXM possesses a complex pharmacological profile with therapeutic and psychoactive effects.

Conclusions:

  • Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a versatile compound with significant therapeutic applications and psychoactive properties.
  • Its mechanism of action at NMDAr receptors underpins both its medicinal and recreational effects.
  • DXM represents a classic example in chemical neuroscience due to its diverse actions.