Cough Medicine - the 'New' Drug of Choice for Teens

If you have a teenager and the cough syrup is missing from your home medicine cabinet and no one in your family has a cough, you may have something to be concerned about.

Dextromethorphan, an ingredient in many cough syrups, is being sought by teens as the 'new' way to get toxic and hallucinogenic highs.  Known popularly as DXM, it can be found in many of the over the counter medications such ad Vicks 44 Cough Relief and Robitussin DM (therefore the common term "Robotripping").  Other key words: Dex, Magic Skittles, Robo, Rojo, Skittles, Triple C, Tussin and Vitamin D.

Law enforcement and health officials have known about this type of abuse for years but use has been on the rise recently.  Teens between the ages of 13 and 16 are the primary users of DXM, often taking 10 or 15 pills to achieve the desired effects.  Users are often called 'syrup heads and robotards'.

Small doses of DXM help suppres coughing by design but larger doses can cause fever, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, paranoia, excessive sweating, nausea, and vomiting.  More serious effects include irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, loss of consciousness, seizures, brain damage and even death.

The drug is addictive and people who use drugs containing DXM can become phychologically dependent on them.  When taken in large amounts, DXM can produce a high similar to pyschotropic drugs, as well as hallucinations.

Pharmacies and other vendors have taken action to put many of these products behind the counter. 

At home, parents should be aware of the status of medications in their medicine cabinets as well as their children's behavior.  If you have any questions or are concerned about the way your child is acting and you suspect or know about alcohol or drug use, including over the counter medications, call Addictions Services at 410-638-3080.