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Published on: June 23, 2023
Concomitant use of dextromethorphan and alcohol-induced dissociation in a patient with alcohol dependence
Yasuhito Nagai1,2, Yuko Tajima2, Koichi Miyakawa1,2
1Department of Psychiatry Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.
Background:
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an over-the-counter drug that is commonly abused by teenagers. Its main pharmacological property is a low-affinity N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist.
Case Presentation:
We report acute psychotic dissociation induced by DXM and alcohol in a patient with alcohol dependence, which made it difficult to distinguish alcohol withdrawal symptoms with limited information. The psychotic symptoms were ameliorated by haloperidol; however, in cases of DXM abuse, haloperidol treatment should be avoided.
Conclusion:
In the consultation of patients with addiction, the possibility of various addictive drugs must be kept in mind. The concomitant use of DXM and alcohol causes easy dissociation and high-dose usage of DXM and alcohol withdrawal symptoms are difficult to distinguish.
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