DXM (dextromethorphan)

What is DXM?

DXM (dextromethorphan) is an opioid agent used as a cough suppressant. DXM has been around since the 1960′s and is found in more than 140 over-the-counter products. Abuse of DXM, especially by teenagers in the “rave” scene, is becoming more widespread throughout the United States. Because of this, interest in the drug is growing rapidly.

Street Names for DXM:
Street names for dextromethorphan include “C-C-C”, “Robo”, “Skittles”, “Red Devils”, and “DXM”, “robo-tripping”, “tussin”, “crazy eights” or “dex.”

DXM is found in many over the counter cough medicines, such as, Nyquil® and Coricidin® HBP Cough and Cold.

Health Hazards
Some of the effects of DXM include: mental status changes, lethargy, ataxia, slurred speech, confusion, hallucinations and seizures. Other potential health hazards are: dry mouth, loss of body fluid, dry itchy skin, blurred vision, cognitive alterations, delusions, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, numbness of fingers or toes, redness of face, headache, loss of consciousness and death.

Extent of Use
A recent survey of 376 4th – 12th graders in New Mexico revealed that non-prescription products containing dextromethorphan ranked significantly higher in selection to “get high.” The reported abuse appeared to increase with student age.