DXM
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is used as a cough suppressant in some over-the-counter medicines. It is also found in other pain relief treatments. DXM comes in white powder, liquid, tablets or a spray. It’s usually used orally but DXM powder is sometimes snorted.
OTHER NAMES:
DXM is also known as cough-syrup, Dex, Dextromethorphan, DM, Robo, Skittles, Syrup, Triple-C, Vitamin D, Tussin.
DXM is a strong sedative, dissociative and stimulant drug with psychedelic properties.
FACTS TO KNOW:
- Drugs with psychedelic properties impact our emotions and the way we think. People can have different experiences on DXM depending on the dosage which are sometimes called plateaus.
- These can range from a mild stimulant effect (buzz), to an intoxicating feeling similar to feeling drunk and stoned at the same time.
- High doses of DXM have dissociative effects, meaning you will feel a sense of being “out of your body”.
- At higher doses people can experience increased dissociative effects which may include hallucinations (feeling, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and out of body experiences.
- It can make you feel “woozy”, confused and cause you to have less control of your movements.
DURATION
- DXM can last for 4-6 hours.
- You might start to feel the effects of DXM 20-60 minutes after consuming which can peak at 1.5-3 hours in.
- Although you may not feel the drug after 6 hours, it’s still active in your system for up to 24 hours after consumed.
STAYING AS SAFE AS YOU CAN:
- Try to use in a safe and comfortable environment with people you trust
- Always dose yourself and measure your dose to the mL
- Call an ambulance if you think you or someone else has had too much.
- Avoid using DXM when it is mixed with other medications, these are usually listed on the box or bottle under ‘active’ ingredients.
- DXM should not be mixed with MAOIs as they can be fatal. Some antidepressants, diet drugs and some antihistamines should be avoided because they can be very unsafe when mixed with DXM.
This is only a little bit of information this Harm Reduction Victoria fact sheet has heaps more.
Get help now
YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
