TeenHealthFX - Answers - DXM - Dangerous, Would Never Abuse It Again

Over The Counter & Prescription Drugs / Question
Published: March 26, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I read your answer to the ecstacy question and noticed that you mentioned the many different drugs that could be laced with ecstacy. You can be no more right. Most ecstacy only has 2% - even 0% mdma(ecstacy) in the pill. Also with the Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, I will tell you even more details about it. A few years ago, I used to abuse DXM to the fullest extent to the point "fourth plateau" which is basically the effects of an out of body experience. This drugs is very dangerous. People who drink robotussin or any other cough suppressant do not even look at what is in it. I have heard many stories of people drinking 5 whole bottles...and the bottles not only containing dxm but also drugs like guafisen this can cause a person to vomit for atleast 2 days...pseudophedrine hcl(normally found in sudafed etc) which can cause possible heart-attacks it is basically a legal speed, but when abused, very dangerous. The worst thing in things like robotussin and other cough suppressants is Acetaminophen which is basically the generic for tylenol. When a person overdoses on this, their liver will stop and cause a very very painful death, and it may not even happen that day it could actually happen a week from then or even a week and 1/2. Here are some short term effects of Dextromethorphan: memory loss, nausea, loss of speech, dizziness, temporary loss of visual perception. Long term effects of Dextromethorphan: from my own experience, you do not see things the same, at night you see spots everywhere, you feel disconnected(this actually stayed with me for atleast 4 years now) its not as bad as when you are on the drug and it does decrease over the years, but it is still bad. oh another thing, when you even look at a bottle of robotussin or even think about it too long you throw up no lie. one more thing you feel distant between you and the world. If i could do it all over again i would of NEVER EVER abused this. I have not seen a doctor about this for fear of impatient

Signed: DXM - Dangerous, Would Never Abuse It Again

Dear DXM - Dangerous, Would Never Abuse It Again,

FX is very glad to hear that your days of doing drugs are behind you. This is an excellent example of the dangers of recreational drug use, and we are glad you shared this information with your fellow readers.

We are concerned that you are still experiencing the effects of using these drugs. Four years is a long time for something like that to stay with you. We cannot tell if your feeling "disconnected" is a result of the drugs or not, but we would suggest you speak to someone about this feeling. If you do not have a doctor and you live in northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you live elsewhere, get in touch with your local adolescent health center or clinic.

If you do not believe you are experiencing residual effects from the drug, but want to talk to someone about this disconnected, you might also try speaking with a parent, teacher, or counselor at your school. If there is no one you feel comfortable speaking with, another option is to speak with a therapist. In northern NJ you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.2471400 for help in finding one. Outside of this area, you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's website to locate services in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX