Reviewed by Amita Shroff, MD on April 17, 2021 Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines are safe and effective when they’re used as directed. But taking too much of them -- on purpose or by accident -- can make you feel high. That can lead some people to abuse them. Before the FDA outlawed codeine in cough medicines in the 1970s, OTC cough medicines created a cheap and effective high. A drug called dextromethorphan (DXM) replaced codeine in cough medicines. At very high doses, it can mimic the effects of illegal drugs like PCP and ketamine. More than 125 OTC medicines sold to treat the symptoms of cough and colds have DXM. It’s in common brands such as Coricidin, Dimetapp DM, Nyquil, Robitussin DM, Robitussin CF, and Robitussin Cough and Cold, as well as store brands for cough and cold medicines. You might not think twice if you find these meds in your teen’s book bag, but you should be aware of their potential for abuse. Teens are more likely to abuse cough medicines because they can get them easily and without a prescription. Kids can also learn online where to buy the drug and how to use it to get high. Here’s what you need to know to prevent abuse and spot its warning signs, as well as some tips to help you talk with your child if you suspect they have a problem. A safe dose of products with DXM is usually 15 to 30 milligrams (mg) over the course of 24 hours. It usually takes more than 10 times that amount to make you high. There are usually several stages of DXM intoxication, depending on how much you take. Effects can range from a mild “buzz” to an “out-of-body” feeling to hallucinations, paranoia, and aggression. They can last 30 minutes to 6 hours after you take the drug. If you take that much and then get very active, your body can overheat, and you might get a dangerously high fever. This is especially a problem for teens who go to dance clubs, where they can be sold DXM that looks like illegal club drugs such as PCP. When you take DXM with other drugs or alcohol, it raises the odds of trouble. DXM is usually found in medicines that have other ingredients to fight colds. Taking high doses of pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), acetaminophen (a pain reliever), and antihistamines (remedies for sneezing and a runny nose) along with DXM can cause other health problems, such as:
First, talk to your teen. As with most things regarding your children, you’re the first line of defense. Studies show that teens are half as likely to misuse drugs if their parents talk to them about the risks. Mention cough medicine abuse specifically, and explain the dangers of misusing OTC medicines. Because DXM products are sold without a prescription, many teens mistakenly believe those medicines have few dangers. The good news is that DXM abuse by teens is down by nearly half during the past decade or so. Many stores have started to keep these cough and cold remedies behind the counter to help reduce access and the potential for teen abuse of these medications. Some makers of OTC medicines with DXM have put labels on their packaging warning about the potential for abuse. Many states have banned the sale of meds with DXM to minors. Still, about one in 30 teens say they use DXM to get high, and one in four know someone who does. Here’s some advice to help keep your children from abusing these medicines. Your teen might be abusing cough or cold medicines if: Teen slang for cough medicine abuse You may also overhear your teen using or see them texting terms such as “skittles,” “robo-tripping,” “triple-C,” or “dexing.” These words are some of the many terms for cough medicine abuse. By educating yourself in drug slang, you can help protect your child. Here’s a rundown of some common terms for cough medicine abuse.
Although you may hear your teen use slang for cough or cold medicine abuse or see other warning signs, it doesn’t always mean your teen is abusing these drugs. After all, teen slang, mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, and secretiveness are a part of adolescence. But if you do find evidence of abuse, it may be time for a talk with your child. Here's some guidance on what to do before you confront your son or daughter about OTC cough medicine abuse. |