Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2025
10:05
Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior
Published on: September 16, 2015
14.4K
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.
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
|June 8, 2023
Summary
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.
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
193
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
193
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
279
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
279
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
563
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not...
563
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
1.4K
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
1.4K
01:29Stimulants
254
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
254
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
205
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
205