Dextromethorphan is used to treat cough; it doesn’t work in cases of a cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Consuming the drug in such large quantities can have dangerous repercussions. Read the article to know about the ways to deal with an addiction to the drug.
What Is DXM?
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant and is easily available in medical stores. The dosage of DXM affects the brain signals which stimulate the cough reflexes. Do not give dextromethorphan to children who are younger than 4 years. Misuse of the medicine can even cause a sudden death especially in case of young kids.
Do not use dextromethorphan or any other over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medication without consulting your doctor. Read the label of the medicine that you use to make sure if it has dextromethorphan.
Dextromethorphan Overdose
Dextromethorphan is easily available in any of the over-the-counter cough medications. It can be purchased by anyone because it is legal. As stated on the labels, the recommended dosage of DXM is between 10 and 20 milligrams in every 4-6 hours, or 30 mg in every 6-8 hours. An overdose of the drug is done when the person intakes up to 240 and 1,500 mg per recreational dose.
People who abuse the drug can consume up to three to four bottles of the cough syrup every day. Such an overdose results in euphoria and psychotropic effects.
(Image Courtesy: Project Know)
Signs And Symptoms
The symptoms that are a result of DXM abuse depends on the amount of medication consumed, and if any other drug like alcohol or marijuana has been added to the medicine. The signs and symptoms of DXM abuse can be divided into four levels.
#. First Level:
The first level usually constitutes of mild inebriation just like you feel when drunk.
#. Second Level
The second level leads to inebriation, unclear speech and possibly some mild hallucinations as well. Short-term could also be a result of overuse of the drug.
#. Third Level
The third level is synonymous with an altered state of consciousness. You might suffer from vision impairment accompanied with loss of other senses.
#. Fourth Level
In the fourth level, a person can lose control over his (or her) body, all the senses shut off completely. This level of intoxication is similar to ketamine or PCP abuse.
These symptoms are accompanied by confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fast heartbeat, stomach pain, and disorientation.
DXM Overdose And Side Effects
Some of the most common and prominent side effects of an overdose of DXM are:
#1. Changes in appearance
#2. Isolation from the family
#3. Secretive behaviour
#4. Changes in appetite
#5. Hostility
#6. Sudden mood swings
#7. Inability to focus
#8. Depression
DXM Addiction Treatment
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When a person starts to depend on DXM to escape from his problems, getting rid of its addiction become quite a difficult task. DXM addiction can lead to physical and mental disturbances, hence it’s treatment that takes a lot of time and efforts.
#1. Narconon Centres are available around the world. These drug rehab programs provide all the participants with the required guidance to recover from their DXM addiction.
#2. A thorough detoxification should always be followed by counseling and life skills training. It helps the person to perceive the world in a different light and start enjoying a DXM-free life.
We hope that the article was helpful. Let us know your views in the comment section below.
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