More common in the US but we are starting to see young people using it here. So what do we know about DXM and how do we keep young people safe?
WHAT?
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a legal ingredient found in ‘over the counter’ cough syrups or cold and flu medications. This is not to be confused with the cough syrups that contain codeine and young people use to create a drug called lean or purple drank.
OTHER NAMES
Dex, DXM, Robo, Skittles, Syrup, Triple-C, Vitamin D, Tussin.
While using DXM the effects may be described as tripping, dexing, robotripping and more.
HOW COMMON IS USAGE?
While use is not wide spread, it is a substance that is easily accessible and affordable to young people which has significant risk.
APPEARANCE
Dex, DXM, Robo, Skittles, Syrup, Triple-C, Vitamin D, Tussin.
While using DXM the effects may be described as tripping, dexing, robotripping and more.
USE
Ingested or inhaled.
Similar to GHB DXM is dose dependant, if you wish to find out more information about this, click here.
EFFECTS
In high doses,(Consuming all tablets in a 24 tablet pack of cold and flu tablets), it acts as a “dissociative anaesthetic” like ketamine, producing effects such as unsteadiness, mild distortions of colour and sound, hallucinations, and loss of motor control.
OVERDOSE
Psychotic symptoms (hearing and seeing things)
An overdose on DXM can look very different to that of an opiod overdoes. A person can feel euphotic, stimulated and have dissociative effects.
SOME COMMON HARM REDUCTION STRATERGIES
Encourage a young person to: -
- Be vigilant about dosing
- Make sure that DXM is the only active ingredient, codeine and paracetamol are often found in cough syrups and cold and flu tablets and can be harmful.
- understand the risks involved in mixing other drugs and alcohol, including prescription medication.
- See more Universal Harm Reduction Strategies
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Here is some further information on DXM.
